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Bill > A6042


NJ A6042

NJ A6042
Requires Division of Child Protection and Permanency to develop suicide screening and crisis response training for caseworkers.


summary

Introduced
11/17/2025
In Committee
11/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
01/12/2026

Introduced Session

2024-2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

This bill requires the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (the division) to develop a training course and curriculum on suicide screening and crisis response planning. The training course and curriculum developed is to be on: (1) recognizing warning signs, risk factors, and protective factors for suicide in children and adolescents through hands-on use of validated suicide prevention tools such as the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale; (2) establishing protocols for responding when a child is identified as at risk, including immediate de-escalation techniques; and (3) coordinating care with mental health professionals, schools, resource parents, and community supports. The division is to ensure that: (1) the training course is part of each caseworker's initial training and, biennially, as part of the in-service training provided to each caseworker, as appropriate; and (2) every caseworker hired by the division prior to the effective date of this bill, within 24 months of the effective date of this bill, is to satisfactorily complete the training course developed and adopted. The Division is to periodically review the training course and curriculum established pursuant to this bill, and is to update the course and curriculum as necessary.

AI Summary

This bill requires the Division of Child Protection and Permanency (DCP&P) to develop comprehensive suicide prevention and crisis response training for its caseworkers, who are employees responsible for investigating child abuse, conducting home visits, and supporting child welfare outcomes. The training will focus on three key areas: (1) teaching caseworkers how to recognize suicide warning signs and risk factors in children and adolescents using validated tools like the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, (2) establishing protocols for responding to at-risk children, including de-escalation techniques, and (3) coordinating care with mental health professionals, schools, resource parents, and community support networks. The bill mandates that this training will be included in initial caseworker training and repeated every two years, with existing caseworkers required to complete the training within 24 months of the bill's effective date. The division must also periodically review and update the training curriculum to ensure its ongoing effectiveness. The bill will take effect 180 days after enactment, allowing time for the Department of Children and Families to develop and implement the required training program.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Children, Families and Food Security Committee (on 11/17/2025)

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