New Jersey-based youth helpline joins international leaders to advance youth mental health, crisis response, and child protection

2NDFLOOR®, a New Jersey-based youth helpline, recently joined child helpline leaders from across the Americas and Caribbean at the Child Helpline International Regional Consultation in Bogotá, Colombia.

Held Sept. 22-24, 2026, the event brought together frontline organizations to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and explore solutions to challenges facing youth. These international gatherings expand existing helpline services, support the development of new resources, and raise awareness of the critical role helplines play in protecting and supporting young people.

2NDFLOOR® Co-Director Patricia Behrens participated as a panelist, sharing the organization’s approach to youth mental health support and prevention, and highlighting how the team identifies emerging issues and responds proactively to the needs of young people. 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.

Behrens’ participation showcased 2NDFLOOR®'s commitment to high-quality care and its growing role in international conversations about youth mental health and protection.

“We’ve been exploring new channels and partnerships to extend helplines to different demographics and populations, reaching communities we can’t reach on our own,” said Behrens at the consultation. “One of the most important questions is how we can help each other expand access to this support.”

Behrens also presented 2NDFLOOR®'s involvement in the Child Protection Initiative (CPI), a collaborative effort through Catalyst Now that brings together frontline professionals and organizations working to improve child safety and well-being around the world. The initiative aims to collect and organize insights about emerging issues, gaps in services, and effective practices across countries, creating a resource to inform collaboration and child protection efforts.

These conversations inspired Behrens to explore ways 2NDFLOOR® can further enhance its own crisis response protocols, particularly by helping young people and families connect with essential resources during emergencies.

Through its international participation, 2NDFLOOR® shares its expertise while learning from innovative approaches and building relationships with professionals around the world. These exchanges provide valuable insights and strategies that can be adapted to strengthen services and better support young people in New Jersey.

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).

This content is part of a platform partnership with Princeton Strategic Communications.