In January, New Jersey lawmakers introduced a bill that would establish a Task Force on Student Mental Health. The 16-member task force would make recommendations regarding identification of students who experience depression, anxiety, stress, or other psychological or emotional tension, trauma, or disorder; counseling programs and services; and the relationship of student mental health to school safety and security.
In addition, they would examine the funding that may be necessary for schools to address student mental health and would study how other states which have implemented programs that have successfully addressed mental health issues in schools. The proposal (A-4887) was introduced by Assemblywoman Carol Murphy and Assemblyman John Armato, both Democrats from Burlington County. The bill has been referred to the Assembly Education Committee.
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