Say NO to S1188—Keep Parents in the Conversation!

Senate bill 1188 lowers the age of consent from 16 years old to 14 years old for minors to undergo behavioral and mental health care services - without their parents' knowledge.

The NJ Senate will vote on this bill on Thursday, December 18th at 1PM. Contact your state senator and urge them to vote NO!

If this bill passes, young children 14 years of age and older will be able to seek mental health care services, including for emotional issues at temporary outpatient clinics, excluding the use or administration of medication. They will be able to consent to treatment by psychiatrists, licensed practicing psychologists, certified psychoanalysts, and licensed psychologists - without anyone telling their parents' about this medical care.

Senate bill 1188 seeks to restructure our mental health system in a way that works against parents. This bill would legally require treatment to remain confidential—without parental consent or knowledge—for children as young as 14 years old.
Removing parents from the mental and emotional health care of their own children will not have a positive outcome for families. Parents are the first protectors and advocates for their children, and stripping them of this role undermines both family integrity and accountability in healthcare.
Excluding parents from their child's mental health care at 14 years old is dangerous. Children at that age lack the maturity, awareness, and decision-making skills necessary to consistently determine what is best for them. Keep parents in the conversation!

Fill out the form below to contact your State Senator to stop this bill!

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