NJ SBIRT

This program is no longer active. This webpage is no longer maintained, and the information provided may no longer be current.

The NJ SBIRT program is made possible through a grant from the NJ Department of Children and Families, and is conducted through these partnerships:

ADOLESCENT SUBSTANCE USE IN NEW JERSEY AND THE SBIRT MODEL

According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics 47,000 (6.57%) of 12- to 17-year-olds in New Jersey reported using drugs within the last month of being surveyed. The 18- to 25-year-olds surveyed from New Jersey were found to be 1.92% more likely to use drugs than the average American in their age group. In New Jersey, in the last year, 6% of 12- to 17-year-olds met the criteria for an Illicit Drug Use Disorder and 2.46% met the criteria for an Alcohol Use Disorder.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are stressful events, including abuse and neglect or household dysfunction such as witnessing domestic violence or growing up with family members who have substance use disorders. ACEs are strongly related to the development of a range of health problems throughout a person’s life, including those associated with substance misuse. (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) 

SBIRT stands for Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment. The SBIRT Model is an approach based on scientific evidence that aims to identify patients who may be using substances and offers early intervention services to those at risk of developing substance use disorders. This public health approach is designed to provide effective and timely services to individuals who may be struggling with substance use, misuse or dependence. (SAMHSA and AAP) 

ABOUT THE NJ SBIRT PROGRAM

The NJ SBIRT (New Jersey Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment) Program provides virtual opportunities to learn more about the SBIRT model and adolescent substance use, misuse, and dependence. Leveraging pediatric expertise, NJ SBIRT brings together pediatric clinicians in primary and specialty care, as well as community-based clinicians, school physicians, school nurses, school counselors, NJ Statewide Student Support Services (NJ4S) hub staff, and other school-based mental health service providers from all 21 counties throughout NJ for shared learning opportunities on topics related to increasing awareness and implementation of the SBIRT model and adolescent substance use. We strive to encourage healthcare teams to implement the SBIRT model using a healing centered approach to provide strength-based care to their patients and families.

NJ SBIRT Project ECHO® Quality Improvement Program

Cohort 1 – September 2024-April 2025

Session recordings and Cohort 1 resources can be accessed via the password protected practice portal: CLICK HERE.

Cohort 2 – September 2025-April 2026

Session recordings and Cohort 2 resources can be accessed via the password protected practice portal: CLICK HERE.

Best Practices in Confidentiality and Minor Consent for Adolescent Patients: New Jersey

Lunch and Learn Webinar Recording – NJ SBIRT and University of Michigan Adolescent Health Initiative hosted a lunch and learn webinar on June 30, 2025 to share strategies for adolescents and caregivers regarding minor consent and confidentiality laws, identifying which services minors have a right to access without a caregiver’s consent and dismantling biases that may impact delivery of care.  Continuing education credits are no longer available for this session.

NJ Sparks – Resources developed through collaboration with the Adolescent Health Initiative at the University of Michigan Health – These free, ready‑to‑use training tools help NJ youth‑supporting professionals understand confidentiality and minor consent laws. Each “Spark” includes:
✔️ PowerPoint presentation
✔️ Facilitator script
✔️ Follow‑up materials 

Designed for 15–30 minutes, they’re perfect for staff meetings or professional development and can be facilitated by anyone on the team. 

Plus—Health Rights for Teens posters are available to download and print to help educate young people about their rights. 

👉 Click here to view the live NJ “Sparks” on the Michigan Medicine website.