Office of Child Advocate releases first annual report

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — Children suffering psychological abuse are underserved by New Hampshire's child protection system, according to a report released Monday by the state Office of the Child Advocate.

Part of the problem is a vague state law defining child abuse and neglect that discourages action, said Moira O'Neill, who directs the office. But the report also describes cases of children continuing to be mistreated while under state supervision.

During one supervised visit, a mother told her children if they did not come home, she would lose their Social Security money and thus their house. She also accused one child of causing the family's troubles and suggested the child not return home.