New Jersey § 30:9a-22

§ 30:9a-22.

The Legislature finds and declares that: a. Overall, suicide is the 11th leading cause of death for all Americans and the third

leading cause of death for young people ages 15 to 24. b. During the period from 1952 to 1995, the incidence of suicide among adolescents

and young adults nearly tripled. During the period from 1980 to 1997, the rate of suicide among persons ages 15 to

19 increased by 11% and among persons ages 10 to 14 by 109%. Although suicide among young children is a rare event, the dramatic increase in

the rate among persons ages 10 to 14 underscores the urgent need for intensifying

efforts to prevent suicide among persons in this age group. It is also widely reported that the risk for attempted or completed suicide varies

with race, religion, age and sexual identity. c. In 1996, 72 persons under the age of 25 committed suicide in New Jersey, and every

month at least 127 young people in this State attempt suicide. Over 40% of the suicide attempts of minors are second or subsequent attempts. Non-fatal suicide attempts outnumber suicide death and often result in significant

medical and economic costs, and in physical, emotional and psychological damage. Like suicide deaths, however, suicide attempts are generally under-reported. d. It is estimated that fewer than 25% of suicide attempts are reported. When they are reported, the reaction often makes the person less likely to seek

further help. Suicide evokes complicated and uncomfortable reactions that stigmatize the survivors

and increase their burden of hurt, isolation and secrecy. This secrecy also tends to diminish the accuracy and amount of information available

about persons who have attempted or completed suicides, which information could help

suicide prevention efforts. e. Therefore, it is necessary to establish a program in this State to: collect information

about youths who attempt suicide and improve the information available to both professionals,

who are in contact with youth at risk of suicide, and families at risk; identify

and provide suitable intervention services to reduce the incidence of suicide; and

educate youths and families at risk about the resources available for suicide prevention

and intervention.