On June 10, 1985, the Mercer County Board of Chosen Freeholders passed Ordinance 85-8, which created the Mercer County Commission on Abused, Neglected and Missing Children. The ordinance provided that the Commission will initiate the development of programs and services that enhance the physical, emotional, and social well-being of children in Mercer County. The Commission also educates the public on issues relating to the welfare of children, provides a forum for professionals and volunteers to coordinate resources, and advocates for programs and policies that will improve the quality of services for the youth in Mercer County.

Following the formation of the Commission, the Cherish the Children Foundation was formed to generate private resources to support the activities of the Commission. The Commission organizes 2-3 fundraising events each year including, but not limited to, our Annual Cherish the Children Awards Dinner and the Cherish the Children 5K Race. The Dinner honors our most critical resource, volunteers serving the children of Mercer County. The Race is held each Fall and continues to provide funds to support cultural, educational, and recreational activities for the youth placed in the care of the County.

Educating the public on issues relating to the welfare of children is a very important goal of the Commission. Each Spring, the Commission organizes the Annual Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) Training Seminar. At this training conference, a national expert on child welfare is scheduled for a full day seminar. Their presentation imparts vital information to the professionals in our county who are the first to respond to reports of child abuse. In addition, the Commission, in coordination with Prevent Child Abuse New Jersey and Children’s Futures, held a full day Teen Parenting Conference this year. The conference provided good parenting skills, knowledge, and child care information to 45-50 teen parents in our county.

For further information on the Mercer County Commission on Abused, Neglected and Missing Children please call 609-278-4845 or write to:

County of Mercer Department of Human Services
Commission on Abused, Neglected and Missing Children
McDade Administration Building
640 South Broad Street
P.O. Box 8068
Trenton, New Jersey 08650-0068