Advocacy E-news February 4, 2020
February 4, 2020
NEARLY 200 PEOPLE HAVE HAD THEIR GUNS SEIZED IN N.J. UNDER NEW ‘RED FLAG’ LAW
Nearly 200 people in New Jersey have had their guns seized under a “red flag” law that went effect last year, according to data obtained by NJ Advance Media. The Extreme Risk Protective Order Act, which went into effect Sept. 1, allows a law enforcement officer, family or household member to submit a petition to state Superior Court showing why a judge should issue an order to keep guns away from someone who potentially poses a danger of causing bodily injury to themselves or to others.
BILL TO EXPAND TUITION REIMBURSEMENT PROGRAM FOR CHILD PSYCHIATRISTS CLEARS ASSEMBLY PANEL
In nine counties in New Jersey, there are less than five child psychiatrists available to treat the thousands of children who live there. To address the shortage of child psychiatrists across the state, the Assembly Human Services Committee on Monday advanced legislation to permit psychiatrists who contract with the Department of Children and Families to participate in an existing tuition reimbursement program.
AS MARIJUANA-INDUCED PSYCHOSIS RISES, PARENTS SAY TREATMENT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE HARD TO FIND
Whether marijuana is the cause or the self-prescribed cure, the rise in psychosis, schizophrenia and suicide among young, heavy users comes amid a shortage in doctors and facilities to treat them. Parents describe spotty understanding of cannabis-induced mental illness and the best ways to treat it among doctors and hospitals. Mental health treatment, especially for teens needing psychiatric care, is lacking in most parts of the country, USA TODAY found.
BILL TO REQUIRE SUICIDE PREVENTION TRAINING FOR MENTAL HEALTH PRACTITIONERS
New Jersey would become the tenth state to require suicide prevention training for mental health practitioners like social workers, marriage and family therapists, and alcohol and drug counselors under legislation approved Monday by the Assembly Human Services Committee. The measure (A-1443), would require the training as a condition of licensure and as an ongoing requirement for mental health professionals.
STATE STUDY OF SOCIAL ISOLATION IS WELCOME
There’s plenty of evidence that many New Jerseyans are socially isolated. A newly mandated study should provide a more complete picture. Older adults are not the only ones considered vulnerable. The state study will also examine the extent of social isolation among people with disabilities, those suffering from mental illness, veterans, active military personnel and other populations.
FIND YOUR LOCAL NAMI
