This bill mandates the Department of Children and Families to allocate a $1,000,000 grant to the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute for the purpose of studying and mapping mental health care resources available for children. The Institute is tasked with assembling a group of stakeholders, including experts in pediatric mental health care, providers, and program administrators from various regions of New Jersey. Their responsibilities include creating a comprehensive visual journey map of families' experiences in accessing mental health care, identifying eligibility rules and barriers to services, and providing policy recommendations to enhance the structure and funding of pediatric mental health programs.

Additionally, the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute is required to evaluate the current landscape of pediatric mental health services, conduct qualitative research, analyze financial barriers, and compile data on mental health outcomes across different demographics. The findings, including a visual map of the access process and a summary of eligibility criteria and coverage details, must be submitted to the Commissioner of Children and Families within 15 months of the bill's enactment. The Commissioner will then present these documents to the Governor and Legislature, as well as make them publicly available on the Department's website.