County Mental Health Boards were mandated through legislation in 1957 through the New Jersey Community Mental Health Services Act. The Act establishes the design and functions of the Board and it's subcommittees.

The Board makes recommendations, consistent with the County Mental Health Plan, regarding mental health funding and program development in Ocean County to the Board of Chosen Freeholders and the State Division of Mental Health Services.

The Board monitors the service delivery and administration of all programs under the Board's jurisdiction and makes recommendations to the State and local government.

The Ocean County Mental Health Board's mission is to protect, assist, and empower people with mental illness. Goals include, but are not limited to:

• Enhance mental health services in the County and ensure consumers access to services in a timely manner
• Develop a more responsive service delivery system based on consumer concerns and service needs
• Meet legislative statutes governing the role of the Board and its subcommittees
• Provide information to the Board of Chosen Freeholders regarding regulations, initiatives, planning, etc., that impacts County residents
• Continue to plan for mental health needs of the County
• Improve utilization of limited resources
• Continue to work with NJ Division of Mental Health Services regarding changes to the mental health system of care