NJ S3611

Appropriates $1,000,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Children and Families for a grant to the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute to study pediatric mental health care resources

Requires the Institute to assemble stakeholders including pediatric mental health experts, providers, and program administrators from northern, central, and southern New Jersey counties

Mandates creation of a visual journey map showing the steps families must take to access mental health care services for children, including barriers encountered

Requires evaluation of pediatric mental health services across schools, counties, state agencies, insurers, and the legal system, with analysis of eligibility rules, funding structures, and disparities by race, ethnicity, and payer type

Documents summarizing findings and policy recommendations must be submitted to the Governor and Legislature within 15 months of enactment and published on the Department of Children and Families website