Designates first week of May of each year as "Children's Mental Health Awareness Week."

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Reginald Atkins and 10 co-sponsors

Designates the first week of May each year as Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week in New Jersey to raise awareness and encourage related programs.

Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee

#children #commemoratio #mentalhealt

Overview

AJR 62 is a joint resolution that designates the first week of May of each year as “Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week” in New Jersey. The measure emphasizes raising public awareness and understanding of mental health and mental illness in children and seeks a gubernatorial proclamation to observe the week with appropriate activities and programs. The resolution takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Purpose and Rationale

To recognize mental health as an essential component of overall health for children.

To address the reality that mental illness can disrupt thinking, mood, behavior, and daily functioning, with long-term effects if unaddressed.

To highlight that children are particularly vulnerable and that untreated mental health issues can contribute to higher rates of school suspension, substance use, and involvement with the juvenile justice system.

To combat barriers to care, including stigma, lack of understanding, and limited access to treatment, and to encourage public awareness and supportive resources.

Key Provisions

Designation: The first week of May each year is designated as “Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week” in New Jersey.

Proclamation: The Governor is requested to issue an annual proclamation urging public officials and residents to observe the week with appropriate activities and programs.

Effective Date: The resolution takes effect immediately.

Who Is Affected

Children and their families, by promoting awareness and reducing stigma related to pediatric mental health.

Schools, health and human services agencies, and community organizations that may host awareness events and programs.

Public officials and state agencies responsible for promoting health and well-being initiatives.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

Introduced: January 9, 2024.

Assembly actions: Reported favorably by the Assembly Health Committee (Sept. 23, 2024); subsequent legislative actions show passage in the Assembly.

Senate actions: As of the provided status, received in the Senate and referred to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee (with later actions indicating progression).

Related: SJR 57 is a companion measure in the Senate.

Enactment: Designation and proclamation provisions are symbolic and programmatic, with no specific funding attached in the text.

Legislative History (Selected)

2024-01-09: Introduced in the Assembly; referred to Assembly Health Committee.

2024-09-23: Reported out of Assembly Committee, 2nd Reading; favorable/advancement noted.

2025-05-22: Passed the Assembly (77-0-0).

2025-05-29: Received in the Senate; referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee.

Impact and Significance

AJR 62 aims to normalize and promote attention to children’s mental health, reduce stigma, and encourage communities to provide information and programs that support early identification and access to treatment. While it does not create new programs or funding, it aligns New Jersey with the awareness week observed nationally and provides a yearly gubernatorial proclamation to bolster public engagement.

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