New Jersey Assembly Bill A868

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

Requires DMVA create Bereavement Counseling Program for family members and volunteer caregivers of certain veterans.

Impact

The legislation mandates that the DMVA, along with guidance from the Department of Health, coordinates the implementation of this bereavement program. Key components include connecting family members and caregivers to qualified clinicians who will provide counseling services free of charge. This assistance will be available for up to five years post-death, with sessions lasting up to 24 months after approval, ensuring extended support for people in distress. Additionally, an individual can receive a maximum of 30 counseling hours per year, reinforcing the state’s commitment to mental health care for the families of veterans.

Summary

Assembly Bill A868 aims to establish a Bereavement Counseling Program through the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) for the family members and volunteer caregivers of veterans who have died by suicide. The program will provide mental health counseling at no cost to eligible participants. The bill emphasizes the critical need for mental health support specifically tailored to those grieving the loss of a veteran, highlighting the unique emotional burdens faced by families and caregivers.

Contention

While the proposed program is largely supported as a necessary resource for grieving families, some concerns may arise regarding the implementation aspects and availability of qualified clinicians. The bill stipulates that the recruitment of volunteers to provide free counseling may pose challenges in ensuring consistent and quality service delivery. Furthermore, questions about the adequacy of state funding to sustain the program and adequately serve all eligible families may lead to debates on resource allocation within the state's budget.