Designates November of each year as "New Jersey Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month."
Impact
The resolution sheds light on alarming data regarding homelessness amongst youth, citing that over 1.1 million homeless children and youth were identified by public schools across the U.S. during the 2020-2021 school year. In New Jersey alone, a Point-In-Time Count indicated more than 8,700 individuals, including families and unaccompanied youth, were experiencing homelessness in early 2022. By formalizing the observance of this month, the resolution aims to foster advocacy and motivate community efforts to improve the well-being of these vulnerable populations.
Summary
AJR219 is a Joint Resolution introduced in the New Jersey Legislature that designates November of each year as 'New Jersey Homeless Children and Youth Awareness Month.' The resolution aims to raise awareness regarding the significant issues faced by homeless children and youth in the state, highlighting the pressing need for increased support and resources to mitigate the challenges they encounter. It serves as a call to action for public officials and citizens to recognize and address homelessness among young individuals in New Jersey.
Contention
The resolution highlights numerous statistics that underscore the significant educational and health challenges faced by homeless youth. It points out that those without a high school diploma are disproportionately affected by homelessness, and identifies a concerning link between homelessness and mental health issues, such as increased rates of suicide attempts among high school students experiencing homelessness. Raising awareness through designated observance aims to galvanize action towards effective programs that will alleviate homelessness impacting New Jersey's youth.
Designates month of September each year as "Deaf Awareness Month" in New Jersey; designates last full week of September each year as "Deaf Awareness Week" in New Jersey.
In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in licensing of drivers, further providing for learners' permits, for application for driver's license or learner's permit, for application for driver's license or learner's permit by minor and for issuance and content of driver's license; and, in fees, further providing for driver's license and learner's permit.