New Jersey has taken a meaningful step toward supporting students through life’s hardest moments. Here’s what the law says, who it affects, and what it actually means for schools.
In January 2024, Governor Phil Murphy signed P.L.2023, c.201 into law, requiring grief and loss education to be included in New Jersey’s Health and Physical Education standards for all students in grades 8–12.
The goal of the legislation is to help students better understand grief as a natural part of life and to provide age-appropriate education about coping, support, and available resources.
This proactive intervention is meant to decrease the likelihood of academic problems, mental health concerns, relationship difficulties, and low resiliency and self-esteem in students that can occur as a result of not having the proper support following a loss.
Students in grades 8-12 in all NJ public schools will be required to learn about grief and loss in an age-appropriate educational setting, including healthy coping strategies and support resources available to them and their families.
The mandate requires Health and PE teachers in grades 8–12 to teach grief and loss standards at district-approved timelines. The NJ Grief Collaborative can provide access to evidence-based resources, lesson plans, and professional development opportunities.
The mandate requires schools and districts to incorporate grief and loss education into existing Health and Physical Education curricula. The NJ Grief Collaborative can partner with schools and districts to make locally informed decisions to support the school community in implementation.
Organizations that serve adolescents and their families may see an increased desire from youth in their families for services following a loss. There may be more conversations about loss and grief and organizations can benefit from increasing their knowledge and resources to support these families.
The New Jersey Department of Education’s Health and Physical Education Standards Review Committee is currently developing standards that are expected to be adopted during the 2026–2027 school year. The NJ Grief Collaborative is actively engaged in supporting this process.
No. Schools can decide where in the trajectory of curriculum between grades 8 and 12 is appropriate for their student body.
No. Schools can decide where this standard is best addressed throughout a student’s school experience.
Professional Development Opportunities can be found on the Events Calendar or the Get Involved page on this website.
Absolutely, schools can invite outside presenters or community instruction to teach or support instruction. Our website can be used as a resource to find vendors through our partners and resources or to contact us for additional support.
The NJ Grief Collaborative recommends that this curriculum include an opt out option for families currently coping with loss or other variables. In fact, the NJ Grief Collaborative recommends that teachers can also seek an opt out of teaching option if they too are coping with their own grief and do not feel able to conduct the lesson appropriately.
Hear from educators, families, and community members who have experienced the power of grief-informed support in action.
Explore our resources, request support, or find upcoming professional development opportunities.