The Manchester Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team (ACERT), a collaborative partnership between the Manchester Police Department, Amoskeag Health and YWCA NH, was honored recently by New Futures for its work to support children and families in need.
Manchester ACERT visits families with children immediately after police respond to what could be a traumatic event. The team is comprised of a family advocate, crisis advocates, and a police officer who connects children and their parents to appropriate services in their community. Manchester police officers are trained in adverse childhood experiences, equipping them to ease the emotional impact kids face when they witness or experience a traumatic event.
The ACERT team received New Futures’ Nicholas Halias Law Enforcement Award, which recognizes an individual or organization who has promoted excellence, innovation and collaboration between law enforcement and community partners, in turn improving health outcomes for individuals in the Granite State.
“Manchester ACERT is making a positive impact on the lives of Granite State children and families.” says Michele Merritt, President and CEO of New Futures, “They take incredible steps every day to support children and build resiliency to mitigate potential long-term health problems caused by adverse childhood experiences.”
“We are truly honored to have been selected by New Futures for this award,” says Lara Quiroga of Amoskeag Health. “Like New Futures, we hope to educate and inspire others to take action on important issues impacting their communities. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of ACERT, we have served hundreds of families since 2016 and will continue to do so in the years to come.”
Pictured from left, Jessica Cantin of YWCA NH, Chief Capano of Manchester Police Department, and Lara Quiroga of Amoskeag Health. Photo by Cheryl Senter.
New Futures is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that advocates, educates and collaborates to improve the health and wellness of all NH residents through policy change.