1. a. The Commissioner of Children and Families, in consultation with the Department of Human Services, and the New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council established pursuant to section 4 of P.L.2003, c.214 (C. 30:9A-25), shall develop and adopt a Statewide youth suicide prevention plan no later than 180 days after the effective date of this act.

b. The plan shall address, but not be limited to, the:

(1) identification of existing State and local sources of data concerning youth suicide deaths, youth suicide attempts, and self-inflicted injuries by youth;

(2) coordination and sharing of such data among identified State and local sources;

(3) promotion of greater public awareness about youth suicide prevention services and resources;

(4) identification of barriers to accessing mental health and substance use disorder services, and opportunities to enhance access; and

(5) promotion of evidenced-based and best practice programs, listed on the Suicide Prevention Resource Center’s Best Practices Registry, for the prevention and treatment of youth suicide and self-injury.

L.2011, c.166, s.1; amended 2023, c.177, s.113.