Every life lost to suicide is a tragedy and the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (DCF) is committed to decreasing youth suicide. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for New Jersey youth between 10 and 24 years of age.
If you are hurt or your life is in danger, dial 911.
If you are in emotional or substance use crisis, dial or text 988, or chat at www.988lifeline.org/chat.
Available in each county 24-hours a day, seven-days a week to individuals in emotional crisis who require immediate attention; an appointment is not necessary. For information visit the DHS Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services' website at www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmhas/home/hotlines/MH_Screening_Centers.pdf.
When a child is facing challenges to their functioning and well-being, finding the right services and support can be overwhelming.
To access support from Perform Care for children and youth who are not in crisis visit https://www.performcarenj.org/.
Children's System of Care Public Service Announcement (intended for parents):
English and Spanish
Youth Suicide Prevention Public Service Announcement (intended for youth):
English and Spanish
To access Children’s System of Care (CSOC) Mobile Response Stabilization Service (MRSS)s, please call 1-877-652-7624. PerformCare may authorize MRSS to come your home within one hour of notification to provide face-to-face crisis services. The goal is to stabilize behavior and keep your child at home. MRSS is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can offer up to eight weeks of stabilization services.
You can also view a listing of the Crisis/Screening Centers in New Jersey to learn where the local screening center is located in your county.
2NDFLOOR is a confidential and anonymous helpline for New Jersey's youth and young adults. 2NDFLOOR staff listen, help, and guide youth in addressing challenges and are available 24/7 365 days a year. Call or text 1-888-222-2228. Visit http://www.2ndfloor.org/.
The Traumatic Loss Coalition aims to prevent suicide and provide trauma response assistance to schools following suicide, homicide, and death from accidents and 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
For more information and support related to suicide prevention visit https://ubhc.rutgers.edu/education/trauma-loss-coalition/suicide-awareness.xml
Established in the Department of Children and Families, the New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council (Council). The Council is comprised of appointed New Jersey citizens and state government. The New Jersey Youth Suicide Prevention Advisory Council examines existing needs and services and makes recommendations for youth suicide reporting, prevention and intervention. It advises the development of regulations pursuant to N.J.S.A. § 30:9A-25 et seq.
For more information related to the council, email dcf-suicide.prevention@dcf.nj.gov
In accordance with N.J. Statute. 30:9A-24 – a mechanism for professionals to statistically report non-identifying demographic information regarding a student or youth who has attempted or died by suicide is available. Please use the right navigation menu at the top of this page to see reporting protocol for additional information and complete the Youth Suicide Event Reporting Form to submit a report.
DCF is dedicated to the prevention of youth suicides in New Jersey. For more information, read DCF's Youth Suicide Data Brief.
