OST
CARES
The New Hampshire Afterschool Network, in partnership with Peers Not Fears will be launching a Pilot Program, OST CARES in the fall of 2026 to enhance mental health support and awareness within New Hampshire Out of School Time, recognizing the unique potential of OST programs in implementing promotion and prevention strategies to better support the well-being of youth.
In recent years, young people have continued to experience rising levels of anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and other serious mental health challenges. Experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, have identified children’s mental health as a national emergency—an issue that remains urgent in 2026.
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In New Hampshire, a significant number of youth experience major depressive episodes each year, and many do not receive the mental health services they need—highlighting ongoing gaps in access to care.
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Approximately 1 in 5 New Hampshire high school students report seriously considering suicide, reflecting a continued need for early intervention and supportive environments.
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Mental health challenges among children ages 3–17 have increased over time, with providers across New Hampshire reporting higher rates of anxiety and depression since 2020.
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Youth from historically underserved communities continue to experience disproportionate increases in mental health challenges and face greater barriers to accessing care.
Leading authorities recognize the power of Out-of-School Time programs to support kids’ mental health. OST programs are well-positioned to contribute to this effort by providing valuable opportunities to support youth holistically, foster resilience, and create nurturing environments beyond the classroom setting.
Recent research also highlights the importance, adaptability, and leadership of out of school time intermediaries to help direct service providers improve program quality, build capacity, and ultimately meet community needs and challenges, including supporting mental health.
OST CARES was created by Texas Partnership for Out-of-School and adapted to fit New Hampshire with funding from the Dobles Foundation. This is currently a Pilot program with the hopes it can be scaled in the coming years.
OST CARES leverages New Hampshire’ powerful network of afterschool and summer programs and partners to address the ongoing mental health crisis through a holistic approach that strengthens the entire system of support for kids, families, and out of school time professionals across the state.
OST CARES achieves these two complementary aims through the Direct Service Program and the Intermediary Collaborative. The Direct Service Program is now accepting interest surveys through July 2026. Click the button below to learn more.
The goals of OST CARES
Community Partnerships: Partner with local and statewide mental health providers to offer mental health services in OST settings;
Awareness and Education: Promote mental health awareness programs and education to identify youth in need and provide early intervention to serve the whole child and family;
Resources and Referrals: Establish a network of resources and referrals for equitable access for students and families in need of additional support;
Emotional Support: Foster an emotionally supportive environment to reduce the mental burden placed on under-resourced families as a result of the recent pandemic; and
Self-Care and Coping Strategies: Promote self-care practices and teach students effective coping strategies for managing stress and emotions.
