In this episode, we provide an insightful update on the New Jersey Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S) program, which is dedicated to delivering mental wellness and prevention services to students and families across New Jersey schools.

Join us as we discuss:

• The success of NJ4S in engaging thousands of families with tier one services.
• The integration of NJ4S into the existing youth mental wellness infrastructure and the importance of building strong relationships with schools and community stakeholders.
• The tiered approach of NJ4S, including universal supports, evidence-based programs, and individual counseling.
• The significance of incorporating local voices—parents, students, and community experts—in shaping the program.
• The process of reviewing proposals and selecting agencies to implement the NJ4S program.
• The importance of effective communication and collaboration with the community and families.
• Innovative outreach and marketing strategies to promote the program.
• The critical role of engaging youth and addressing mental well-being as part of the larger continuum of mental health care.

Key Takeaways:

• NJ4S aims to provide comprehensive mental wellness and prevention services to New Jersey students and families.
• Successful engagement with thousands of families through tier one services.
• Importance of integrating NJ4S into existing infrastructure and building relationships with stakeholders.
• Tiered approach offering universal supports, evidence-based programs, and individual counseling.
• Involving local voices and diverse stakeholders in shaping and implementing the program.
• Effective communication and collaboration with the community are crucial.
• Innovative outreach strategies to promote NJ4S.
• Engaging youth in mental well-being efforts is vital for overall mental health care.

Keywords: New Jersey, mental wellness, prevention services, NJ4S, students, families, schools, tiered approach, counseling, community stakeholders, local voice, mental health care

Chapters: 

00:00 Introduction to NJ4S and the Mental Health Crisis

04:00 Integrating NJ4S into the Existing Infrastructure

06:09 Building Relationships with Schools and Stakeholders

07:07 Engaging High-Need School Districts

14:13 The Importance of Tier One Services

18:25 The Tiered Approach of NJ4S

24:13 Building Intergenerational Resilience

29:42 Incorporating the Local Voice in NJ4S

30:39 Building Local Advisory Boards and Involving Diverse Stakeholders

32:00 Effective Communication and Collaboration with the Community

35:31 Innovative Approaches to Outreach and Marketing

40:28 Engaging Youth and Addressing Mental Well-being

46:53 Flexibility and Patience in the First Year of Implementation

Tune in to learn how NJ4S is making a significant impact on the mental wellness of students and families across New Jersey.