Allows follow-up communication by operators of mental health and suicide crisis resources centers or 9-8-8 crisis hotline centers to minors at risk of death by suicide.*

This bill allows the New Jersey Suicide Hopeline to make follow-up calls to minors aged 16 or older who are identified as being at high risk of suicide without requiring parental consent. It amends state law to make a minor's consent for these follow-up calls valid and binding as if they were an adult, and confidential - meaning operators do not need to report the calls to parents or guardians. Currently, national guidelines for suicide hotlines require parental permission for such follow-ups, but this bill removes that barrier for minors 16+ seeking mental health support. The policy directly affects at-risk youth aged 16 and older who contact the Suicide Hopeline for crisis counseling.