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Bill

MD

Bill

A 4984

Requires DCF to expand services provided by NJ Statewide Student Support Services program to include eating disorder services.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Mitchelle Drulis and 2 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill requires DCF to add eating disorder detection and services to school student support programs to address a major mental health gap.

Received in the Senate, Referred to Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee
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Bill Summary · A 4984

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 4984 mandates that New Jersey's Department of Children and Families (DCF) expand the Statewide Student Support Services program to include eating disorder services for students. The bill passed the Assembly unanimously with amendments in March 2025 and is currently under Senate committee review as of May 2025.

Why is this important

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any psychiatric illness, and early intervention during school years can be critical for recovery. Currently, the Student Support Services program does not explicitly address eating disorder detection, prevention, or treatment referrals, leaving a significant gap in student mental health services that this bill would address.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs: The bill does not specify funding mechanisms or budget allocations, raising questions about whether existing resources will be redirected or new funding must be secured
  • Staff training and capacity: DCF must determine whether current school support staff can be trained to identify eating disorders or if new specialized positions are required
  • Scope of services: Unclear whether "eating disorder services" means screening/referral only or if direct treatment/counseling will be provided, and how this integrates with existing healthcare providers

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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