Protection for Vulnerable Populations

New Hampshire's Office of the Child Advocate exists for one reason: to protect children who often have no one else to protect them. It serves as an independent voice for our state's most vulnerable children, ensuring their rights, safety, and well-being are never ignored.

NH Office of the Child Advocate

That independence is essential.

In 2025, the New Hampshire House voted to eliminate the Office of the Child Advocate entirely. While the office ultimately remained, lawmakers still chose to reduce its funding. At a time when children need stronger oversight and advocacy—not less—weakening this office sends the wrong message. 

More recently, Governor Ayotte chose not to reappoint Cassandra Sanchez, whose unwavering advocacy for children—particularly those at the Sununu Youth Development Center—made her one of the strongest and, at times, only voices speaking on their behalf. Replacing her with an interim appointment, retired Manchester Police Chief Allen Aldenberg, was a setback for New Hampshire's most vulnerable children.

Children in state care deserve independent advocates who will ask difficult questions, expose failures, and hold government accountable. They deserve someone who is focused solely on protecting them—not political convenience.

If elected, I will fight to strengthen and protect the Office of the Child Advocate so that no future legislature can quietly weaken or eliminate it. I will also support restoring the strong, independent leadership that children deserve, including advocating for Cassandra Sanchez's reinstatement. We have a responsibility to stand up for children who cannot stand up for themselves. I intend to be one of those voices in Concord.