First Statewide Youth Helpline Launched

TRENTON – Department of Children and Families (DCF) Commissioner Kimberly Ricketts announced last week the launch of New Jersey’s first statewide youth helpline, 2NDFLOOR, a key component of the Governor’s Strategy for Safe Streets and Neighborhoods announced last year.
“Improving the well-being of our children is the most important investment we can make,” Gov. Corzine stated in a release. “The 2NDFLOOR youth helpline gives young people a place to turn to before violence or tragedy occurs. It’s important for kids to know that they can call about anything, anytime, anywhere.”
The new youth helpline is available 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week to children and young adults ages 10-24. Youth can either call the helpline, 1-888-222-2228, or access the interactive Web site www.2NDFLOOR.org.
Calls to the 2NDFLOOR youth helpline are anonymous and confidential except in life-threatening situations.
A statewide review had found no existing helplines in New Jersey were interactive with a professional counselor, universal in scope, and designed for teens and young adults.
“Before the statewide launch of 2NDFLOOR, there was no one place youth could call where no topic was off limits,” DCF Ricketts stated. “Now youth can call to talk through any challenges they might be facing – whether the issue is substance abuse, domestic violence, self-esteem, eating disorders, family conflict, racism, bullying, gangs or peer pressure.”