Official Site of The State of New Jersey
—by stepping in before a challenge becomes a crisis, and connecting students, and their families, to needed resources and assistance in their community. The program is free to NJ schools and residents, and offers tiered and customizable support based on the schools’ and students’ needs.
Some in-school services (Tier 2 and Tier 3) are currently only available by request to public middle and high schools throughout the State. To learn more about how to sign up and request services in your school, click below.
NJ4S connects students to their strengths, helps build resiliency, and offers a vital link to the larger mental health service array in the State of New Jersey.
Whatever the challenge might be, NJ4S has the resources and partnerships to step up for New Jersey’s youth!
What Are They Saying About NJ4S?
“Vernon Township School District has experienced the growing need for mental health support due to an increase in students presenting with anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation, crisis situations and other significant social-emotional and behavioral concerns.
“The partnership between Vernon Township School District and NJ4S has significantly expanded our ability to meet the growing mental health needs of our students.
“NJ4S has also benefited families by offering parent education, connecting them with community resources and improving access to ongoing mental health services outside of school. Staff have gained valuable consultation, training and support regarding student mental health concerns, contributing to a more coordinated, proactive approach.”
—Leia Fontana, LCSW, District Clinician, Vernon Township School District
“NJ4S staff facilitated a six-week Tier 2 small group focused on emotional regulation, coping strategies, stress management, communication skills, problem solving, and peer support. Students participated in weekly interactive activities, discussions, skill-building exercises, and role plays designed to increase resilience and self-awareness. NJ4S also shared strategies and resources with school staff and parents / caregivers to help reinforce the skills students were learning across school and home settings.
“NJ4S was always on time and dependable. The program was well organized and the best part about it was it was FREE! I cannot say enough good things about this program and how much our district and my school personally benefited from the services provided!”
—Valerie DeTetta, School Counselor, Sgt. Dominick Pilla Middle School, Vineland
