New Jersey Statutes Title 30. Institutions and Agencies 30 § 9A-33.1

a. Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents and young adults in New Jersey, and the State faces a growing youth mental health crisis that has been further exacerbated by social, academic, and public health stressors.

b. The New Jersey Suicide Hopeline, operated in partnership with Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care and the State Department of Human Services, provides immediate, compassionate, and confidential support to youth in crisis and plays a critical role in preventing suicide across the State.

c. Current law allows minors aged 16 years and older to consent to certain behavioral health and substance use disorder services, but does not expressly permit follow-up communication from a suicide prevention hotline, even when the minor has been identified as high risk following an initial call for help.

d. Allowing a follow-up call, text, or chat message from a trained operator, with the minor's voluntary consent and without requiring parental authorization, is a narrowly tailored response that ensures access to continued support during moments of acute vulnerability.

e. A follow-up call, text, or chat message conducted pursuant to P.L.2025, c. 238 (C.30:9A-33.1 et al.) shall be understood as brief, supportive communication solely for suicide prevention purposes and is not intended to constitute behavioral health treatment, diagnosis, or clinical care.