This bill mandates the Department of Children and Families in New Jersey to develop and implement a program aimed at promoting trauma-informed care to address the negative impacts of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and toxic stress. The program will include the creation of a trauma-informed care toolkit for State employees, the promotion of a Trauma Awareness Month, and the sharing of educational resources related to ACEs and resilience-building. Additionally, the department is tasked with identifying service gaps, developing a comprehensive early intervention plan for affected children and caregivers, and coordinating the collection and reporting of ACE data statewide.

Furthermore, the bill requires all State agencies that provide services to children and adults to adopt best practices for trauma-informed care. This includes regular training for staff on the effects of ACEs and toxic stress, strategies to enhance staff resilience, the use of trauma-specific language in service contracts, and the implementation of evidence-informed services to mitigate toxic stress and foster resilience in individuals and communities. The overarching goal of the bill is to create a healthier New Jersey by addressing the root causes of trauma and promoting supportive environments for children and families.