The Division formed a Multicultural Services Advisory Committee in 1981 to address the quality and quantity of culturally competent mental health services and to advocate for policies, programs and legislation that impact the mental health service delivery system.

In 2015, that committee was restructured to a working group format to produce more direct technical assistance to the Division and its funded providers.  The MSG has representation from service recipients, providers, training agencies and stakeholders committed to cultural and linguistic competency in the mental health and addiction systems of care. The MSG provides a structure through which New Jersey's multicultural population can communicate their needs within DMHAS and ensures that cultural competency is a critical aspect in the planning and implementation of an effective system of care.

The purpose of the MSG is to address the quality and quantity of culturally and linguistically competent addiction and mental health services.  Additionally, the MSG works to support the development of a recovery-oriented service delivery system which promotes best practices appropriate to the lifestyles, special needs and strengths of New Jersey’s diverse minority and cultural communities.   The MSG makes recommendations for addiction and mental health services that are culturally informed and competent and accessible in languages understood by individuals served and families. By partnering with addictions and mental health funded providers, individuals served and their families, in the planning, development and implementation of culturally and linguistically effective services, disparities and stigma within New Jersey's behavioral health delivery system can be minimized.  Training of staff, providers, people in recovery and family members are essential to achieve a transformed culturally and linguistically informed recovery-oriented system. 

The goal of the MSG is to utilize existing tools from the US Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors (NASMHPD) as resources to integrate cultural and linguistic competence and expectations into all services and programs contracted with the DMHAS.

For more information, please email DMHAS@dhs.nj.gov with “Multicultural Services Group” in the Subject line or call (800)382-6717.