relative to the definition of abuse and neglect and conditions triggering a rebuttable presumption of harm in abuse and neglect cases.

HB 553 amends New Hampshire's child abuse and neglect laws by updating definitions and establishing a rebuttable presumption that family unity is in a child's best interest. The bill requires courts to presume family unity is appropriate unless proven otherwise, while mandating removal only when a child's physical, emotional, or psychological welfare is at risk. It revises definitions of "abandoned" (excluding cases due to lack of mental health services) and "abuse" (including sexual abuse and intentional physical injury). The law also emphasizes trauma-informed care, prioritizes placing children with kin or in community settings, and requires frequent reviews to return children home as quickly as possible. This directly affects child welfare courts, families involved in abuse/neglect cases, and child protective services.