Gilford, NH…Child and Family Services’ Ryan Barrieau (L) holds a certificate of appreciation from the Belknap County Citizens Council on Children and Families, presented to him by Laurie Belanger of Gilford, a Council member and a guidance counselor at Gilford High School.    

Barrieau is a clinical specialist with the Adolescent Treatment Initiative (ATI), an intensive outpatient treatment program for youth and their families who are caught in the cycle of substance abuse.  Managed through Child and Family Services of NH, ATI meets youth in community rather than agency settings, a process that requires the collaboration of partners such as schools.  Gilford High School, through Ms. Belanger, works closely with Barrieau to refer and connect students to the ATI program. 

             

According to Belanger, Barrieau “has been unbelievably helpful” with Gilford students.  The Belknap County Citizens Council supports and promotes all such partnerships that provide creative solutions to the challenges faced by children, youth, and families in Belknap County.    

The Citizens Council was created in 2002 as a County Department and is unique in New Hampshire and New England for using the expertise and initiative of citizens in resolving critical issues facing children and families. Council members meet together and with networks of professionals, business leaders, representatives of the faith community, and other citizens to develop and advocate for innovative solutions, build effective partnerships, re-align current resources, and to exchange information.