Gov. Sherrill signs law creating school-based mental health pilot program in New Jersey
NEW JERSEY — Gov. Mikie Sherrill has signed legislation establishing a new school-based mental health pilot program as New Jersey invests more than $125 million in mental health and wellness services for students, families and educators during the 2026-27 school year.
The legislation establishes the School-Based Partnerships for Access and Resilience for Kids, or SPARK, pilot program, which is designed to provide another pathway for students to connect with behavioral health services and support within their school communities. The fiscal year 2027 state budget includes $8 million for the program. Pasted text
“Our kids are facing unprecedented pressures, and as they head back to school, we need to make sure they know that help is there when they need it. Combating the youth mental health crisis takes all of us – families, educators, and government working together to ensure that our schools are places where every child feels supported and ready to succeed,” Sherrill said. “From reducing digital distractions in the classroom to strengthening school-based mental health services and making it easier for students to connect with care, we are taking a comprehensive approach to supporting the well-being of New Jersey’s young people. With the launch of SPARK, we are building the continuum of supports to make sure every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive.”
The SPARK program builds on several mental health and wellness programs already available to New Jersey students and families.
The New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services, or NJ4S, network, operated by the state Department of Children and Families, provides social, emotional and mental well-being support through a regional hub-and-spoke model. For participating school districts, regional hubs provide specialized prevention and brief intervention services for students, as well as consultation and support for school faculty. Pasted text
The Department of Children and Families also supports students through School-Linked Services, including 90 School-Based Youth Services Programs, five health centers, 40 Family Friendly Centers, three Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency Programs, eight Parent Linking Programs and 10 Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention Initiative Programs. Pasted text
Beginning this school year, the state Department of Education is also implementing bell-to-bell restrictions on internet-enabled devices, including cellphones, for students in kindergarten through 12th grade in all New Jersey public school districts. The policy is intended to reduce classroom distractions, increase student engagement and support mental health and academic success. Pasted text
“We know that when students feel safe, supported, and connected, they are better able to learn and thrive. The SPARK program offers an opportunity for New Jersey to test innovative models for increasing student access to clinical mental and behavioral health services,” said Dr. Lily Laux, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Education. “This legislation aligns with our broader work to improve student well-being, address chronic absenteeism, promote online safety, and ensure every student has the support they need to succeed in school and beyond.”
“The signing of this bill establishing the School-Based Partnerships for Access and Resilience for Kids (SPARK) Pilot Program further cements Governor Sherrill’s commitment to her promise from day one, and that of the state’s Legislature, in keeping youth mental health a top priority,” said Joseph E. Ribsam, Jr., Acting Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Children and Families. “The SPARK Pilot Program will serve as part of the State’s overarching plan bringing together key state agencies and system partners, including DCF and DOE, to address the mental health epidemic young people are facing, helping to elevate the critically important robust array of support programs and services available whether in school or in community, and expanding the mental health and wellbeing continuum across the state.”
Under the legislation, S4413/A5253, the Department of Children and Families will implement SPARK in consultation with the Department of Education. Pasted text
The program will offer psychiatric consultations, assessments, triage, short-term stabilization and medication support for students awaiting longer-term care. It will also refer students and families to school- and community-based mental health providers, including NJ4S when appropriate. Pasted text
SPARK will help families navigate services by coordinating care, engaging families, managing necessary authorizations and working to reduce delays in obtaining treatment.
Students returning to school following a mental health crisis, hospitalization or emergency room visit may receive psychiatric clearance, re-entry support and transition planning through the program. Pasted text
Participating schools will also have access to a secure technology platform to manage behavioral incidents, suicide risk screenings, harassment, intimidation and bullying incidents, and behavioral threat assessments.
The program will provide school personnel with training, consultation and behavioral health guidance; collect and report data on participation and outcomes; and help state and local school officials develop and implement evidence-based student mental health policies. Pasted text
Services will be available to K-12 students in participating districts following a referral from a teacher or school mental health professional and with permission from the child’s parent or guardian.
The pilot is expected to begin providing services in early 2027 in up to 10 school districts selected by the Department of Children and Families in consultation with the Department of Education. Districts will be recruited this fall, and a request for proposals is expected to be issued in the coming weeks to develop a mobile application supporting the program. Pasted text
The legislation was sponsored by Senate President Nick Scutari and Sen. Joe Vitale, along with Assembly members Linda Carter, Andrea Katz and Vinnie Kearney. Pasted text
“When a child suffers from a mental health condition, their ability to learn, grow, and develop is severely impacted,” Scutari said. “Oftentimes, it’s incredibly difficult to navigate the mental health system and find help. This means support from educators and schools is crucial. The SPARK pilot program works with schools to streamline the process for students and families to access mental health resources, helping ensure students are seen and heard when they are struggling and are properly directed to services.”
“Access to mental health support should be the standard for every child,” Carter said. “By strengthening the connection among schools, families, and mental health providers, this legislation will help students receive the care and support they need before they reach a crisis point. I am proud to see this legislation signed into law and proud that New Jersey is taking another step toward building a stronger, more supportive network of care for our youngest residents.”
State officials said students and families do not have to wait for services through their schools to seek mental health support.
Anyone experiencing a mental or behavioral health crisis can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Families seeking behavioral health services for a child can contact New Jersey’s Children’s System of Care at 1-877-652-7624. Pasted text
Young people looking for someone to talk to can call or text 2NDFLOOR at 1-888-222-2228 for free, anonymous and confidential support 24 hours a day. NJ Mental Health Cares is available at 1-866-202-HELP (4357) to connect people with mental health services and resources.
New Jersey youth can also access digital mental health and wellness resources through Soluna or the 2NDFLOOR app. Pasted text
Resources are also available to educators and school communities. Prevent Suicide NJ provides resources, training and engagement opportunities focused on youth mental health, suicide prevention and resilience.
Mental Health First Aid provides training to help educators and community members recognize signs and symptoms of behavioral health challenges and learn when and how to respond. The state Department of Health also supports school districts in implementing the Lifelines Trilogy, an approach to suicide prevention, intervention and postvention designed to help school communities identify and respond to students at risk.
