Suicide Prevention and Other Traumatic Loss
Suicide is a serious public health problem that causes pain, suffering, and can have a profound effect on the entire community. According to 2019 data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the 14th leading cause of death in New Jersey and the third leading cause of death for youth ages 10 to 24. In comparison to the national average New Jersey continues to have a lower rate of suicide; regardless, suicide remains a priority area to combat within the state. Provided below are resources and information on school requirements for addressing these events and supportive resources for prevention and intervention.
Related Statutes & Regulations
All references below can be found at and at
| N.J.S.A. 18A:6-112 | Instruction in suicide prevention for public school teaching staff |
| N.J.S.A. 18A:6-113 | Provision for instruction in suicide prevention in school curriculum |
| N.J.S.A. 30:9A-13. | Youth suicide prevention program |
| N.J.S.A. 30:9A-25 | New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council |
| N.J.S.A. 30:9A-26 | Public awareness campaign on youth suicide prevention and intervention |
| N.J.S.A. 30:9A-24 | |
Call or Text 888-222-2228
24 hours a day - 7 days a week
Accredited by the American Association of Suicidology, 2ND Floor confidentially serves youth and young adults (ages 10-24). Youth who call are assisted with their daily life challenges by professional staff and trained volunteers.
Call, Text or Chat: 988
24 hours a day - 7 days a week-
Call 1-888-843-4564
1-877-652-7624
24 hours a day - 7 days a week
PerformCare helps families access publicly-funded services for New Jersey children with behavioral, emotional, intellectual, developmental, and/or substance use challenges.
PerformCare has been connecting families to services funded by the NJ Division of Children's System of Care since 2009.
The dual mission of the TLC is suicide prevention and trauma response assistance to schools following suicide, homicide and deaths that result from accidents and/or illnesses.
Functioning as an interactive, statewide network, TLC offers collaboration opportunities and support to professionals working with school-age youth via education, training, consultation and coalition building to:- reduce suicide attempts, suicide completions, and to promote recovery of persons affected by suicide and
- provide guidance and support in the response to a traumatic event.
Established in the Department of Children and Families is the New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council (Council). The Council is comprised of appointed New Jersey citizens and representatives from several state departments. The purpose of the Council is to examine existing needs and services and make recommendations for youth suicide reporting, prevention and intervention; advise on the content of informational materials to be made available to persons who report attempted or completed suicides; and advise in the development of regulations required pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 30:9A-25 et seq.
For more information related to the council email: CSOC.Director@dcf.nj.gov- New Jersey Department of Health