This bill establishes the Office of Resilience within the Department of Children and Families (DCF) in New Jersey, aimed at addressing the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on children's development and well-being. The office will be directed by an executive director who reports to the Commissioner of Children and Families. Its primary responsibilities include hosting and coordinating statewide initiatives to raise awareness of ACEs, providing technical assistance to non-governmental organizations, and promoting trauma-informed and health-centered services for young people. The bill defines ACEs as traumatic experiences occurring during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, and outlines the concept of trauma-informed care (TIC) as a strength-based approach to service delivery that prioritizes the safety and empowerment of trauma survivors.

The Office of Resilience will focus on developing and sharing strategies to mitigate the effects of ACEs, collaborating with early childhood organizations to create a multi-generational support system, and launching a public awareness campaign about ACEs and TIC. Additionally, the office will create research-based tools to foster resilience and positive childhood experiences, and it will provide periodic reports to the Governor and an annual report to the Legislature on its activities. The bill emphasizes the importance of early intervention in preventing the long-term consequences of childhood trauma, ultimately aiming to improve public health and reduce costs associated with mental illness, school dropout rates, and homelessness.