Fix A3016/S4050: Require Parental Notification for At-Risk Minors

New Jersey’s Assembly leadership blocked a common-sense parental notification amendment on A3016. The bill allows Suicide Hopeline operators to make follow-up calls to minors “at risk of suicide” without informing parents.
Tell your legislators: Parents must be notified when their child is in crisis.

A3016 would allow New Jersey Suicide Hopeline operators to make follow-up calls to minors who are considered “at risk of suicide.” Shockingly, the bill does not require any parental notification.

Assemblyman Paul Kanitra offered a simple floor amendment to fix this—requiring hotline staff to notify parents when a minor is identified as at risk. Majority Leader Lou Greenwald immediately moved to table the amendment, killing it without debate or a vote.

Parents cannot help their children if the State keeps them in the dark. Family involvement is essential for safety, mental health, and crisis intervention. A3016 must not advance without parental notification.

CALL TO ACTION:

Tell your legislators to oppose A3016 unless parental notification is restored. Parents have the right to know when their child is in crisis.