Investigation into the New Hampshire Developmental Disabilities System

In its A System of Harm series, the NH Bulletin reported on the lives, abuse, and deaths of people with disabilities who were supposed to be supported and served by New Hampshire’s developmental disabilities (DD) system. These articles brought long-overdue attention to serious, ongoing problems. As part of its reporting, the NH Bulletin spoke with our staff and confirmed that we have opened a broad investigation into the DD system and the failures highlighted in the Bulletin’s coverage.

Investigation Timeline

October 1, 2025: Investigation is launched

• We opened a broad investigation into the DD system including the failures highlighted in news reports.
• Read A System of Harm series from the NH Bulletin which reports on the lives, abuse, and deaths of people with disabilities who were supposed to be supported and served by New Hampshire’s developmental disabilities (DD) system.

July 2026: SB 670 is passed establishing a new Oversight Commission and requiring that DRC-NH is notified of serious injuries and deaths of people with disabilities. 

• The law requires residential service providers to timely notify the Department of Health and Human Services, the bureau of licensing and certification, the attorney general’s office, and DRC-NH of deaths and serious bodily injuries sustained by adults with disabilities.
• The law also requires that residential services providers notify the Attorney General, DRC-NH, and the Bureau of Licensing and Certification (child care licensing unit) about the the death of a child placed in any group home or institution in any state owned or operated residential treatment program, or the youth development center or its successor facility.
• The law also establishes a new Oversight Commission to assure the health and welfare of participants receiving home and community based 1915(c) waiver services within the developmental services system.
• View Press Release (July 13, 2026)