Recently, an Annie E. Casey Foundation (AECF) blog post captured a snapshot of the nationwide mental health concerns of Generation Z (Gen Z). These are individuals born between 1997 and 2012. The post acknowledges that about 75% of mental illnesses develop between the ages of 10 and 24. They also note that 65% of people from this age group reported at least one mental wellness issue in 2021 and 2022, compared to 51% of Millennials, 29% of Gen Xers, and 14% of Boomers. In New Jersey, 8% of youth have anxiety, and 5 of every 1000 youths’ emergency visits are for self-harm. AECF ranks N.J. number 3 in the nation for child health. However, in economic well-being and in family and community–two areas not always measured as factors contributing to mental wellness–N.J. ranks much lower. But there are resources available to support youth and families. Below is a list of some initiatives that can be accessed to combat mental health crises they may be experiencing.
Mobile Response & Stabilization Services
Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) provide on-call crisis intervention services 24/7, 365 days a year. The project is funded through the Department of Children and Families, and gives youth and families access to immediate behavioral or emotional crisis and de-escalation services without needing to navigate several systems. However, in order to receive help, a youth between 18-21, or the caregiver of a youth under the age of 18 must dial 1-877-652-7624 and interface with PerformCare (a system administrator contracted by New Jersey Children’s System of Care) for an initial assessment. Afterwards, calls will be routed to the local MRSS team nearest to the family. Services are provided within 1 hour of contact, and can be conducted in the youth’s home or over the phone. Following the immediate intervention, a follow-up assessment is conducted, with planning for stabilization and linkage to services rounding out the support. Learn more: Mobile Response Stabilization–Casey Family Programs
2NDFLOOR
2NDFLOOR is a confidential and anonymous helpline for New Jersey's youth and young adults. The organization helps youth between the ages of 10-24 find solutions to the problems they face at any location they may be (home, school, work, etc.). Youth and young adults can receive support in areas including: cyberbullying, dating & relationships, sexuality & personal identity, substance use and misuse, and much more. To access services, youth and young adults can text or call 888-222-2228, or visit the 2NDFLOOR website and post to their message board.
Note: Messages posted on 2NDFLOOR’s website are NOT anonymous, and posters must be 13 years old or older. Learn more: 2NDFLOOR: Youth Helpline of New Jersey
Substance Abuse & High-Risk Intervention:
Bill S4250/A5326, the “Seabrook-Washington Community-Led Crisis Response Act” established legislation enabling community-led responses to non-violent mental health and substance abuse issues. Organizations such as Salvation and Social Justice in Trenton; Reimagining Justice, Inc. in Paterson, and Transformative Justice Initiative in Camden can be contacted for restorative healing work for youth and adults experiencing immediate substance abuse issues. Further, community based violence intervention and prevention (CBVIP) work reduces harm in communities without the consequences of arrest and incarceration. The high-risk intervention unit of the Newark Community Street Team in Newark responds to incidents of violence based on referrals from the community and law enforcement. Their responses include support for mental health related issues leading to violence. The NCST also has an overdose response unit. Referrals can be made through their hotline at 1-833-254-6278. Learn more athttps://www.sandsj.org/ | Home - Reimagining Justice | https://www.newarkcommunitystreetteam.org/
Food Insecurity
New Jersey is ranked 26th in the nation in children’s economic well-being, with 13% of children living in poverty; 24% whose parents lack secure employment; and 35% living in households with a high-housing cost burden. All of these factors seem to lead to an increased food insecure child population. In 2020, 9% of N.J.’s children were estimated to be food insecure, but in 2021, that percentage increased to 9.8%. Lack of food can lead to poor mental health. When people experience hunger at any level, their attention can shift to focus solely on survival. Hunger is never an excuse for harmful or destructive decisions, but it does contextualize them. Fortunately, N.J. is rich with resources to combat food insecurity amongst families. Rutgers Against Hunger’s website lists food pantries in every county in New Jersey. Find your Local Food Pantry.
