NJ A6042

Division of Child Protection and Permanency must develop and adopt a training course on suicide screening and crisis response for caseworkers, covering warning signs, risk factors, de-escalation techniques, and use of validated tools like the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale

Training must be included in initial caseworker training and repeated biennially as part of in-service training

Caseworkers employed before the bill's effective date must complete the training within 24 months

Training must address coordination of care with mental health professionals, schools, resource parents, and community supports

The Division must periodically review and update the training curriculum to ensure continued effectiveness, with the bill taking effect 180 days after enactment