New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

New Jersey Assembly Bill A2712

Introduced
2/14/22  

Caption

Requires DCF to establish certain training protocols for staff of children crisis intervention service units and screening centers.

Summary

Assembly Bill A2712 requires the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) to establish training protocols for staff working in children's crisis intervention service units and screening centers. These protocols are designed to provide healthcare professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to assist children and youth with developmental disabilities who are experiencing psychiatric or behavioral health crises. The training is mandated to be offered in both traditional and online formats, ensuring accessibility for all involved professionals. The training protocols outlined in A2712 will cover critical areas such as identification of psychiatric crises, effective communication with nonverbal children, as well as strategies for assessing and treating aggressive behaviors. This comprehensive approach aims to address the unique needs of children and youth with developmental disabilities, thereby enhancing the overall standard of care provided. Given the complexity of mental health issues faced by this population, the bill emphasizes the importance of specialized training to ensure that healthcare professionals are equipped to manage these challenges effectively. The bill’s impact on state laws is significant as it supplements Title 9 of the Revised Statutes, mandating a formalized framework for training in a critical and often underserved area of healthcare. By establishing systematic training protocols, A2712 seeks to improve the response of healthcare professionals during crucial intervention moments, ultimately aiming for better health outcomes for vulnerable populations. While the bill has garnered support for its forward-thinking approach to enhance mental health services for children with developmental disabilities, some discussion points may arise regarding the curriculum's effectiveness and the adequacy of the training provided. Stakeholders may question whether the state will allocate sufficient resources and funding to implement these training programs effectively and how these protocols will be monitored and evaluated over time.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NJ SF4064

Requirements establishment for hospital behavioral health crisis intervention teams

NJ HF1198

Child care assistance expanded, grants and rules regarding children's mental health expanded and modified, transition to community initiative modified, staff training requirements modified, covered transportation services modified, coverage of clinical care coordination modified, children's long-term stays in emergency room rules modified, rural family response and stabilization services pilot program established, and money appropriated.

NJ A1252

Establishes brain injury screening and education program in DCF.

NJ A538

Establishes brain injury screening and education program in DCF.

NJ SB5120

Revised for 2nd Substitute: Establishing crisis relief centers in Washington state.Original: Establishing 23-hour crisis relief centers in Washington state.

NJ S4603

Establishes requirements to develop protocols and training for reunification therapy; makes appropriation.

NJ H5527

Establishes a statewide standalone children's mobile response and stabilization services to address the behavioral health needs of children and youth ages 2 to 21. DCYF to oversee implementation of the program.

NJ S0429

Establishes a statewide standalone children's mobile response and stabilization services to address the behavioral health needs of children and youth ages 2 to 21. DCYF to oversee implementation of the program.

NJ HB777

"Mississippi Children's Assessment and Mental Health Opportunity (CAMHED) Act of 2025"; create to require screenings and assessments in all public schools.

NJ H5987

Establishes a core state behavioral health crisis services system, to be administered by the director of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.

Similar Bills

VA SB361

Marcus alert system; participation in the system is optional for localities, etc.

VA HB1191

Marcus alert system; participation in the system is optional for localities, etc.

RI H5987

Establishes a core state behavioral health crisis services system, to be administered by the director of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.

AZ SB1720

Clozapine; access; treatment protocols

OR HB2202

Relating to behavioral health.

RI S0892

Establishes a restricted receipt account, known as the “988 Call Center Fund,” to be held and administered by the state to support the 988 call center budget.

RI H6128

Establishes a core state behavioral health crisis services system, to be administered by the director of the department of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.

VA HB1498

Adult day care centers; name changes to adult day centers throughout the Code.