Official Site of The State of New Jersey
Child and Adolescent Health
Why It's Important
Timely developmental screenings and recommended health care services are key to identifying health problems early, when they're usually easier to treat. Positive health behaviors, such as getting enough sleep and eating healthy, can help prevent diseases and injuries. Safe, stable, and supportive relationships are critical for children's health, development, and well-being. 2Adolescents are at risk for many preventable health problems, such as substance use disorders, STIs, and motor vehicle-related injuries. They also experience developmental changes that can affect their physical and mental health. Many behaviors that can affect health and well-being later in life start during adolescence. Positive health behaviors - like getting preventive care, using birth control, and getting enough sleep - can help adolescents stay safe and healthy. 3
Who Is at Risk
There are disparities in healthcare access, healthy behaviors, and related health outcomes by race/ethnicity and family income.4,5How It's Tracked
Child and adolescent health outcomes are tracked in "all ages" datasets such as the American Community Survey, birth certificates, hospital discharges, STD reports, and death certificates.Surveys specifically about child and adolescent health include:
- NJ Middle School Risk and Protective Factor Survey about alcohol, tobacco, and illicit drug use, perception, and contributing factors
- NJ Student Health Survey of high school students about a variety of health issues
- NJ Youth Tobacco Survey of high school students
Other Data and Information Resources
New Jersey Department of Health
- Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention
- Children's Oral Health Education Program
- Immunization Requirements
- Special Child Health and Early Intervention Services
- Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children (WIC)
- Teen Health