Bill > S1026

Introduced Session

This bill requires the New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council to prepare a report regarding suicide prevention instruction in public schools. The report is required to include the following: (1) identifying the suicide prevention instruction already provided to public school teaching staff members and students; (2) reviewing the effectiveness and sufficiency of instruction in suicide prevention currently provided to public school teaching staff members and students; (3) identifying any methods public schools may use to identify students who may be at risk for suicide or self-injury; (4) identifying evidence-based and best practice programs in public schools for the prevention of youth suicide and self-injury, including a survey of programs being implemented in surrounding states; (5) identifying opportunities to enhance access to mental health treatment in public schools; and (6) findings and recommendations, including legislative and regulatory proposals, to improve suicide prevention instruction. The council is required to submit the report to the Governor and Legislature no later than 12 months after the effective date of the act. Schools can be a key setting for youth suicide prevention. Teachers, mental health providers, and all other school personnel who interact with students can play an important role in keeping them safe. Currently, the State Board of Education, in consultation with the New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council is required to provide instruction in suicide prevention to public school teaching staff. The report required by this bill will inform the Governor and Legislature of the effectiveness of the instruction in suicide prevention and whether the instruction is being provided uniformly and consistently in all public schools.

AI Summary

Committee Categories

Teresa Ruiz (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Education Committee (on 01/30/2020)

Official Document