WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 5236

Requires DCF to strengthen Statewide pediatric psychiatry and behavioral health care services for children and families.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Linda Carter and 4 co-sponsors

Strengthen statewide pediatric behavioral health by expanding access, coordinating DCF-led services, and boosting workforce, data, and family support for NJ youth.

Passed by the Assembly (77-0-0)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 5236

Overview

Bill A 5236 (New Jersey, 222nd Session) seeks to strengthen statewide pediatric psychiatry and behavioral health care services for children and families through the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The bill is sponsored by Assembly Members Linda Carter, Andrea Katz, and Jim Kennedy (co-sponsors).

Purpose and Intent

  • The primary aim is to enhance access to, and the quality of, pediatric psychiatric and behavioral health care for New Jersey children and their families.
  • It emphasizes a coordinated, statewide approach under DCF to address gaps in services, improve outcomes for youth with behavioral health needs, and support families in navigating the system.

Key Provisions

While the full text is not provided here, the bill’s title and sponsor notes indicate the following likely areas of focus:

  • Strengthening DCF’s leadership role in pediatric behavioral health: expanding capacity, standards, and oversight of services for children.
  • Expanding access to pediatric psychiatry: increasing availability of child-focused psychiatric care, potentially through recruitment, telehealth, or partnerships with other state agencies and providers.
  • Integrated service delivery: promoting coordination among DCF, mental health partners, schools, and healthcare systems to ensure timely assessment, treatment, and follow-up.
  • Family-centered approaches: ensuring families receive support, resources, and guidance to engage with behavioral health services.
  • Data and accountability: establishing metrics to monitor access, wait times, outcomes, and quality of care; reporting requirements to assess progress.
  • Workforce development: initiatives to recruit, train, and retain pediatric mental health professionals within the state.
  • Funding or allocation directives: possible provisions directing funding to create or sustain program enhancements, piloting initiatives, or infrastructure improvements.

Note: The exact language, scope, and any new programs or waivers would be detailed in the bill text.

Who Will Be Affected

  • Children and adolescents in need of behavioral health and psychiatric services.
  • Families and caregivers seeking access to pediatric mental health care.
  • DCF and related state agencies responsible for child welfare, health, and education collaboration.
  • Health care providers, including pediatricians, child psychiatrists, and mental health professionals, who serve youth in New Jersey.
  • Potential partners such as schools and community-based organizations involved in child mental health initiatives.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill would follow the standard New Jersey legislative process: committee reviews, potential amendments, floor votes, and, if passed, transmission to the governor for signature.
  • If enacted, implementation would depend on any enacted funding, effective dates, and regulatory actions required by DCF (e.g., rulemaking, grant programs, or contract solicitations).
  • The bill may establish phased implementation or pilot programs; details would be specified in the final text and any accompanying fiscal notes.

Potential Impact

  • Improved access to timely pediatric psychiatry and behavioral health services for New Jersey youth.
  • Enhanced coordination across state systems to support children and families.
  • Strengthened workforce capacity in pediatric mental health to reduce wait times and improve care quality.
  • Better data collection and accountability to track progress and guide policy decisions.

If you’d like, I can tailor this to include a comparison with existing NJ policies on pediatric behavioral health or outline a questions-for-lawmakers brief based on the bill’s likely provisions.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.