2NDFLOOR Leader Testifies Before State Lawmakers on Youth Mental Health and Juvenile Delinquency

Patricia Behrens, Co-Director of the 2NDFLOOR® Youth Helpline at 180 Turning Lives Around, shared testimony before the New Jersey Assembly Judiciary Committee on March 16, 2026, highlighting the root causes of juvenile delinquency and the importance of early intervention.

The legislative hearing, held at the Statehouse in Trenton, brought together stakeholders from across the state to discuss the recent rise in juvenile delinquency cases. Behrens was invited to share the perspective of 2NDFLOOR®, a statewide, 24/7 youth helpline serving young people ages 10–24.

Behrens emphasized that many of the challenges associated with juvenile delinquency begin long before youth encounter the justice system.

“From the perspective of a teen helpline like 2NDFLOOR, we often see the challenges that can lead to juvenile delinquency long before a young person ever encounters the justice system,” Behrens told lawmakers.

She highlighted the range of issues that youth face, including mental health struggles, family conflict, bullying, and social isolation, often compounded by a lack of trusted adults to turn to.

“What we consistently hear from teens is that they are looking for someone to listen without judgment and help them think through difficult situations,” she said. “Having access to a confidential, youth-focused support system can make a meaningful difference.”

Behrens also underscored the importance of accessible, early support systems like 2NDFLOOR®. “When youth have accessible supports and trusted places to turn during moments of stress or crisis, we have an opportunity to intervene early before those challenges escalate into behaviors that could lead to involvement with the juvenile justice system.”

Meeting Youth Before Crisis

Operated by 180 Turning Lives Around in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families, 2NDFLOOR® provides free, confidential, and anonymous support to youth across the state via phone, text, website, and mobile app.

Since its launch in 2024, the 2NDFLOOR® app has expanded access to support, with thousands of downloads and tens of thousands of interactions with young people across all 21 counties. The platform allows users to connect with trained counselors, participate in moderated peer message boards, and access resources on topics ranging from mental health to relationships and substance use.

The program has served more than one million young people over the past two decades, meeting youth where they are and empowering them to navigate life’s challenges in healthy, constructive ways.

For many young people, reaching out to 2NDFLOOR® is the first step toward being heard.

Looking Ahead

Behrens concluded her testimony by expressing gratitude for the state’s continued investment in youth services and reaffirming 2NDFLOOR®’s commitment to supporting New Jersey’s young people. “We are honored to help support this initiative in whichever way we can.”

As conversations around juvenile justice continue, 180 Turning Lives Around and 2NDFLOOR® remain at the forefront of efforts to ensure every young person in New Jersey has access to the support they need.

If you or a young person you know is facing challenges, 2NDFLOOR® is here to help—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As a free, confidential, and anonymous resource for New Jersey youth ages 10–24, 2NDFLOOR® provides a safe space to talk, get guidance, and feel heard. Young people can call or text 1-888-222-2228, visit www.2ndfloor.org, or download the app (App Store) (Google Play).