The TLC for Youth (TLC) is an interactive, statewide network that offers collaboration and support to professionals working with school-age youth. The dual mission of the TLC is excellence in both suicide prevention and trauma response assistance to schools following the sudden losses due to suicide, homicide, accident, and illness. This is accomplished through the county, regional and statewide conferences, training, consultation, and technical assistance.  The purpose is to ensure that those working with youth from a variety of disciplines and programs have up-to-date knowledge about mental health issues, suicide prevention, trauma response, and resiliency enhancement.

The TLC is funded by the NJ Department of Children and Families. There is a TLC coordinator in each county. These county coordinators provide meetings throughout the year bringing together school personnel, mental health clinicians, juvenile justice personnel, law enforcement officials, social service agencies, and child welfare workers. The meetings are effective forums for reviewing crisis events, identifying service needs, and providing professional development through the inclusion of an educational presentation.

The TLC Coordinators also work within their counties to either develop a Lead Response Team (LRT) or to support an existing one. These teams remain available to assist schools when needed following a traumatic loss event. The members of the team are trained in Post Traumatic Stress Management (PTSM) for youth.

How can the TLC Benefit Your School and Community:

• Coordinate a two-hour suicide awareness training for educators
• Provide Post Traumatic Stress Management (PTSM) for school crisis team members to assist in postvention
• Provide regional training workshops in Chronological Assessment of Suicidal Events (CASE) Approach
• Provide schools at no charge with the TLC's Lead Response Teams (LRT) in the event of a traumatic loss. Assistance can range from phone consultation and support to the provision of on-site services.
• Consult with schools and communities regarding evidenced-based suicide curricula. 

Eligibility	Serves all of Ocean County. Provides services to schools and other youth serving agencies.
Age Groups	Children Adolescents
Health Services	Behavioral / Mental Health Grief / Loss Mental Health Trauma / PTSD Crisis / Safety Crisis / Safety / Prevention Suicide / Suicidal Ideation
Payment Options	Free

Last Updated: 02/10/23