Legislators
Over 20 years ago, New Jersey made a bold move to revamp its youth mental health services. The Children’s System of Care has made tremendous strides and is now seen as one of the leaders in the nation.
Our Work
CMOs are the backbone of the Children’s System of Care in that they annually serve over 30,000 youth with the most severe needs in mental health, substance use and intellectual/developmental disabilities throughout the state.
Why It Matters
CMOs are independent, non-profit organizations that contract with the Department of Children and Families under the Children’s System of Care. We serve youth with mental health, substance use, and intellectual-developmental disability disorders.
In October 2021, a national emergency in child mental health was declared. The CMOs are at the heart of mental health services in NJ and annually serve over 30,000 youth throughout NJ who need crisis or longer-term mental health care.
However, Care Management Organizations (CMOs) are facing an increasingly dire financial situation as annual budgets continue to erode causing concerns about quality services and the ability to maintain this nationally recognized model.
Mental Health Playbook
Governor Murphy’s mental health playbook was announced in July 2023. The playbook’s top priorities are in line with what the Care Management Organizations (CMO) do every day:
- CMOs act as a clear entry point for case management and connection to youth mental health services
- CMOs implement suicide prevention plans that meet the needs of youth in line with the Zero Suicide framework
- CMO services help to prevent hospitalization and incarceration, keeping youth in their community living situations.
- Currently, 94% of youth served statewide remain in their homes and communities