As youth mental health challenges continue to rise across New Jersey and the nation, two bills to strengthen suicide prevention efforts and improve crisis response were advanced by the Assembly Children, Families, and Food Security Committee today.
“Too many children today are quietly struggling, and we have a responsibility as both Legislators, and as parents to make sure our systems are equipped to recognize those warning signs and respond,” said Assemblywoman Andrea Katz (D-Atlantic, Burlington). “Behind every parent’s worst nightmare is a child who felt alone and a family left wondering whether more could have been done, or whether one moment of intervention might have changed what can no longer be changed.”
The first bill, A2772, sponsored by Assemblywoman Katz, would require the Division of Child Protection and Permanency to develop a suicide screening and crisis response training for case workers. Under the bill, caseworkers would, on a biennial basis, complete the training to ensure they can recognize the warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors, and know how to establish protocols and coordinate care with mental health professionals, schools, and parents, and community supports.
Also advanced today, Bill A2733, sponsored by Assemblywoman Katz and Assemblyman Michael Venezia Michael Venezia, would require emergency departments to provide certain information, including information about care management organizations and contact information for nearby care management organizations, to parents of children experiencing a mental health crisis.
“So many families have already done the hardest part by getting their child to a hospital and removing them from harm’s way, but too often they leave with more questions than answers about what comes next,” said Assemblyman Venezia (D-Essex). “Nothing can prepare a parent for a moment like that, and no family should be left to navigate the aftermath alone. Making sure parents leave the hospital with clear information and actionable advice will make all the difference in helping a child continue their recovery.”
According to the most recent Child Fatalities and Near Fatalities Review Board Report, 50% of children who committed suicide in New Jersey had a mental health diagnosis and 44% had a history of self-harming behaviors.