Designates month of May of each year as "Children's Mental Health and Trauma Awareness Month."
Ultimately, AJR183 aims to reinforce the understanding that ensuring positive mental health for children is imperative for their healthy development. The resolution calls for the governor to issue an annual proclamation to encourage comprehensive activities that promote awareness about mental health and trauma, ideally leading to broader community support and improved mental health resources for children across New Jersey.
The resolution emphasizes that mental health is vital for children's overall well-being and effectiveness in their communities. It outlines that mental illnesses can lead to a myriad of challenges for children, including increased likelihood of school suspension, substance abuse, and involvement with the juvenile justice system. By establishing dedicated recognition for children’s mental health, New Jersey aims to foster an environment that supports mental health awareness, potentially improving treatment access and reducing stigma related to mental illness among children.
Assembly Joint Resolution 183 (AJR183) proposes to designate the month of May as 'Children's Mental Health and Trauma Awareness Month' in New Jersey. The objective of this resolution is to enhance public consciousness regarding the significance of children's mental health and the impact of trauma, specifically adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). It aims to create a dedicated timeframe for activities and programs that promote understanding and awareness of mental health issues affecting the youth in the state.
The resolution underlines critical concerns regarding the treatment gap for children experiencing mental health disorders and ACEs. Many children fail to receive the necessary mental health support due to societal stigma, lack of understanding, and a shortage of pediatric mental health professionals. By formally recognizing May as a month for mental health awareness, the resolution seeks to address these issues, encouraging school systems, communities, and policymakers to prioritize children's mental health and develop more trauma-responsive strategies.