This bill establishes a Train the Trainer Program within New Jersey's Department of Education to prepare educators to lead school-wide mental health training for teachers and staff. It appropriates $1 million to fund the program, which will teach evidence-based methods like trauma-informed approaches, recognizing mental health challenges, restorative practices, and crisis de-escalation. The program requires training on topics including fostering positive school climates, addressing bullying, and accessing mental health resources - though school districts may choose not to participate. The Commissioner of Education must annually evaluate the program and report on its effectiveness to the Governor and Legislature within three years.
This bill establishes a four-year pilot program for up to 15 New Jersey school districts to create confidential mental health assistance programs for students in grades K-12. The programs will identify students facing mental health challenges (including those related to family, school, or personal issues), provide voluntary counseling and support services, and connect students with community resources - all while maintaining strict confidentiality. Districts must apply with funding plans, and participating schools will track student participation and outcomes. After the pilot, the state will evaluate the program’s effectiveness and recommend whether to expand it statewide.
This bill requires all New Jersey public school districts to teach students in grades 6 through 12 about the responsible use of social media and cell phones, including risks like addiction, cyberbullying, and negative impacts on mental health. It expands current requirements (which only covered grades 6-8 in technology classes) by mandating this instruction within the health education curriculum for all grades 6-12. The curriculum must cover responsible platform use, cyber safety, and the specific consequences of irresponsible use, such as harm to mental health and relationships. School districts must use resources provided by the state education commissioner to implement these lessons.
This bill requires New Jersey law enforcement officers to complete mental health crisis training (CIT-NJ) and establishes a process to redirect people experiencing mental health crises away from criminal prosecution. Officers may divert individuals to mental health screening services instead of filing charges for non-violent incidents, with a presumption against criminal complaints when treatment is available. It mandates county-level coordination between law enforcement, courts, and mental health providers to identify resources for timely diversion. The law applies to all uniformed patrol officers and affects individuals with mental illness who might otherwise face criminal charges for non-violent behavior.
This bill (A 905) establishes new licensing and operational standards for residential mental health treatment facilities in New Jersey. It requires these facilities to provide 24/7 structured care consistent with clinical best practices, focus on helping patients transition to lower-level community care, and prohibit retrospective reviews of medical necessity. Facilities must obtain a license from the Commissioner of Health, meet specific ownership and compliance standards, and cannot operate at the same location as substance use treatment programs. The bill directly affects residential mental health facilities, their patients, and operators by creating a formal licensing process and defining clear operational requirements.
This bill clarifies New Jersey's child custody procedures by requiring courts to prioritize a child's expressed preferences (when age-appropriate) and consider recommendations from the child's licensed mental health professional when making custody decisions. It also imposes strict conditions before courts can order "reunification therapy" (family therapy to reconnect estranged parents and children), requiring scientific evidence of its safety and effectiveness, plus the child's willingness to participate. The bill affects courts, parents, and children in contested custody cases by mandating specific record-keeping for custody arrangements not agreed upon by parents and adding weight to the child's voice. It does not change existing custody factors but refines how courts must weigh certain considerations.
This bill requires New Jersey emergency shelters for the homeless to admit individuals regardless of whether they: have a mental illness, are substance-dependent, are not taking prescribed medication, or consumed alcohol off-site. It directly affects homeless individuals who face barriers based on these characteristics. Shelters may still refuse admission only if someone poses a danger to self, others, or property, or if legally authorized. The law does not prevent shelters from prohibiting drug/alcohol use on their premises. This expands existing protections that previously only covered mental illness.
This bill requires New Jersey's Department of Military and Veterans' Affairs (DMVA) to help former service members with specific discharge statuses - such as "other than honorable," "bad conduct," or "dishonorable" - who have been diagnosed with a service-connected mental health condition. The DMVA must provide no-fee assistance with federal forms to petition for a discharge redesignation to "honorable," create uniform processes, and keep all information confidential. If successful, these individuals gain the same state rights, privileges, and benefits as those honorably discharged. The bill expands existing DMVA support (previously limited to cases tied to sexual orientation or gender identity) to include mental health-related discharges, defined as conditions linked to military service per medical standards.
AJR 106 designates September 22nd each year as "Veterans Suicide Awareness & Remembrance Day" in New Jersey. The resolution aims to raise public awareness about the high suicide rates among veterans and active military members - citing over 65,000 veteran and active-duty suicides since 2010 - and reduce stigma around mental health treatment. It requests the Governor issue an annual proclamation encouraging public observance through activities that honor those who died by suicide and support affected families. This ceremonial resolution does not create new programs or funding but seeks to foster community recognition of a critical public health issue affecting military service members.
This bill grants children placed in resource family care (foster care) the right to have visible signage displayed in their home. Specifically, it requires three conspicuous signs listing contact information for child abuse hotlines and mental health services. The signage must be placed in clear view within the home, making it accessible to children who may need immediate assistance. This change directly affects children in foster care placements across New Jersey, ensuring they have clear access to support resources.
