Grading the States 2009 Report Card: New Jersey

In 2006, NAMI credited former Acting Governor Richard Codey for leadership in improving services for people with serious mental illnesses. Improvements have continued under Governor Jon Corzine; however, all is not rosy in the Garden State. Its mental health care system is still inadequate, and its C grade has not changed from three years ago. Full narrative (PDF).

Grades by Category Detailed Score Card (PDF)

Health Promotion and Measurement: C 25% of Total Grade
Basic measures, such as the number of programs delivering evidence-based practices, emergency room wait-times, and the quantity of psychiatric beds by setting.
Financing & Core Treatment/Recovery Services: C 45% of Total Grade
A variety of financing measures, such as whether Medicaid reimburses providers for all, or part of evidence-based practices; and more.
Consumer & Family Empowerment: B 15% of Total Grade
Includes measures such as consumer and family access to essential information from the state, promotion of consumer-run programs, and family and peer education and support.
Community Integration and Social Inclusion: D 15% of Total Grade
Includes activities that require collaboration among state mental health agencies and other state agencies and systems.

Innovations

Strong executive and legislative commitment
Evidence-based practices such as ACT and supportive housing
Peer-run services and peer supports

Urgent Needs

Resolve civil rights and safety issues in state hospitals
Invest in services for people with co-occurring disorders
Statewide implementation of jail diversion and community reentry programs

Additional Information and Resources

Full Narrative (PDF) | Detailed Score Card (PDF) | Full Report | Order Hard Copy

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Grading the States 2006 Report Card: New Jersey

"The hospital system can be somewhat brutal and is in desperate need of overhaul. The Ancora model may be a big waste of resources and is not serving the consumers. [It is a] giant unmanageable warehouse."