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NJ AJR183
NJ AJR183Designates month of May of each year as "Children's Mental Health and Trauma Awareness Month."
summary
Introduced
06/06/2024
06/06/2024
In Committee
06/06/2024
06/06/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026
01/12/2026
Introduced Session
2024-2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This joint resolution designates the month of May as "Children's Mental Health and Trauma Awareness Month" in New Jersey to raise public awareness of mental health, adverse childhood experiences (ACES), and mental illness in children. Mental illness can adversely affect children in many ways, including increasing the likelihood of a child being suspended from school, abusing drugs or alcohol, or ending up in the juvenile justice system. ACEs, which are traumatic experiences that occur during childhood, can cause toxic stress, impacting the development of a child's fundamental brain architecture and stress response systems, and place children who undergo multiple ACEs at a higher risk of suffering from depression, alcohol and substance use disorders, suicidal tendencies, early death, and becoming victims or perpetrators of sexual violence. Many children with mental health disorders who undergo multiple ACEs do not receive treatment for their illnesses due to poor understanding of mental illness, toxic stress, stigma, and an insufficient number of pediatric mental health professionals in the United States and New Jersey which reduces of access to available treatment options. The resolution intends to promote awareness of pediatric mental illness and ACEs, in hopes of improving the lives of children who have emotional disturbances, other mental health disorders, or faced trauma and adversity throughout their lives.
AI Summary
This joint resolution designates May of each year as "Children's Mental Health and Trauma Awareness Month" in New Jersey, with the primary goal of raising public understanding about children's mental health challenges and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). The resolution highlights that mental illnesses are medical conditions that can significantly disrupt a child's thinking, emotional state, and daily functioning, and notes that children with mental health issues are more vulnerable to negative outcomes like school suspension, substance abuse, and involvement in the juvenile justice system. By recognizing ACEs—which include experiences like abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, and domestic violence—the resolution aims to draw attention to how traumatic childhood experiences can cause toxic stress that impacts brain development and increases risks for long-term mental and physical health problems. The resolution calls on the Governor to issue an annual proclamation encouraging public officials and citizens to participate in awareness activities, ultimately seeking to reduce stigma, improve understanding of pediatric mental health, and promote access to treatment that can help children lead healthier, more productive lives.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee (on 06/06/2024)
Official Document
bill text
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/AJR183 |
| BillText | https://pub.njleg.gov/Bills/2024/AJR/183_I1.HTM |
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