Mercer County Children’s Interagency Coordinating Council (CIACC) is dedicated to working in partnership with State officials, local leaders, families, and service providers to address the emotional wellness and developmental needs of children who require specialized support and treatment. This council recognizes that the system of care for children can be confusing and difficult to navigate. Along with system partners and youth-serving agencies, the Children’s Interagency Coordinating Council coordinator is able to help residents find answers to questions and help guide them through the complex system of behavioral health care.

The Children’s Interagency Coordinating Council also serves as a mechanism to advise the County’s Mental Health Board and the New Jersey Department of Children and Families (NJDCF) in planning for behavioral and mental health services for children. The council provides a multidisciplinary forum via monthly open meetings to review and discuss the system of services for children with special social, emotional, and behavioral challenges and identify barriers to effective service delivery to children. The overall goal is to seek solutions for the County and make appropriate recommendations on programs and policies that impact children and families.
 
Mercer County Education Partnership Initiative is a sub-committee of the Children’s Interagency Coordinating Council that works to improve access to child mental  health, developmental, and substance abuse services through collaboration, communication, coordination, and cooperation between system partners, including educators, child welfare, crisis services providers, and youth-serving agencies. Communitywide trainings and consultation are provided specifically for school districts.

Contact Michele Madiou at mmadiou@mercercounty.org or at 609-989-6574 for more information.