New Jersey Department of Education

Trauma-Informed & Healing-Centered Practices

New Jersey’s students represent culturally rich and diverse backgrounds, each coming to school with their own individual set of experiences. Sometimes, these experiences can be of an adverse or traumatic nature which can impact the student’s academic achievement and social/emotional development. Schools have the opportunity to establish supportive, positive learning environments and practices for all students that not only provide structure but are also safe, welcoming, and relationship-centered. Doing so can help mitigate the effects of any trauma or adversity a student may be facing and support positive growth.

  • DREAMS Program

    Through a partnership with the NJ Department of Children and Families, the NJDOE offers support to the DREAMS Program, which provides school districts throughout the state with trauma-informed and healing-centered training and resources, including training in the Nurtured Heart Approach.

  • Handle with Care – New Jersey

    Per Attorney General Directive No. 2020-09, this program aims to address ACEs and trauma that impacts NJ school-aged children through increasing communication between law enforcement (LE) and schools regarding a notice when LE is aware that a child has been exposed to a traumatic event.

  • For questions regarding these initiatives, please contact SafeSupportiveSchools@doe.nj.gov.

The following helplines and hotlines can be shared with families of students experiencing a crisis or needing additional support with well-being.

Hotlines
  • Children’s System of Care – 1-877-652-7624

    Call this number to find out about services for children and teens with emotional and behavioral health care challenges.

  • Crisis Text Line – Text “HOME” to 741741

    Connect with a crisis counselor to help defuse a “hot” moment or crisis.

  • NJ Suicide Prevention Hopeline – 1-855-654-6735<

    New Jersey's 24/7 Peer Support & Suicide Prevention Hotline.

  • 2nd Floor - 1-888-222-2228 | Call or Text

    24/7 hotline for youth aged 10-24 seeking support for daily life challenges.

Warm Lines

Warmlines provide information and non-emergency help, support and resources.

There are many government agencies involved in spreading awareness of ACEs and supporting its prevention. Though not exhaustive, please note some of the partners below:


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