NJAMHAA FY23 Advocacy Campaign

11 H   Additional Funding Is Needed to Invest in Services that Enable Youth to Achieve their Full Potential The FY2024 budget must ensure that the $6 million increase in the FY2023 School-Linked Services (SLS) budget line (a $5 million increase in the Governor’s budget and $1 million legislative add-on) is maintained and fully distributed as part of base funding for SBYSPs and other SLS programs. In FY2022, a $5 million legislative add-on to SLS was not distributed until the second half of the budget year with some programs receiving their funds in the last quarter. In FY2023, it took several months for the $1 million increase to be distributed. At a time of such great need, all available resources should be deployed in a timely manner to support stability in the workforce and the services they can deliver. With timely access to appropriate services, youth throughout New Jersey - like Favio and Illias - can gain the clinical, emotional and moral support they need to build their confidence and skills that will lead them to being successful in their personal and professional lives, and inspiring role models for future generations. of parents have seen their children face significant mental and emotional challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from a survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of LifeStance, February 2022 68%