2026 Spring Registration Brochure

14 NJAMHAA's Spring Conference 2026 Plenary Address APRIL 14, 2026 2:30 PM - 3:45 PM PLENARY 2.P: Behavioral Health: New Jersey’s Landscape and Vision for the Future COURSE DESCRIPTION: Department of Human Services (DHS) Commissioner Stephen Cha, MD; DHS Deputy Commissioner for Health Services Valerie Mielke, MSW; and Department of Children and Families Deputy Commissioner Carmen Diaz-Petti, LCSW, will discuss current and emerging initiatives shaping New Jersey’s behavioral health system for children, youth, and adults. As leaders overseeing critical state divisions, the panelists play a central role in the day-to-day operations of behavioral health services, as well as the development and implementation of new programs. Their responsibilities include shaping policy, guiding system transformation, and addressing how services are funded. Each panelist will highlight key priorities within their respective department and share their vision for advancing behavioral health services in New Jersey, including addressing challenges and identifying opportunities on the horizon. LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of this session, attendees will be able to: 1. Identify current and emerging behavioral health initiatives in New Jersey. 2. Describe key fiscal and policy challenges facing major state divisions, including the Division of Medical Assistance and Health Services (Medicaid), the Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS), and the Children’s System of Care (CSOC). 3. Explain the impact of federal policy changes on service delivery and the populations served. TARGET AUDIENCE: All Healthcare Providers AUDIENCE TARGET LEVELS: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Dr. Stephen Cha Commissioner New Jersey Department of Human Services Valerie Mielke, MSW Deputy Commissioner for Health Services New Jersey Department of Human Services Carmen Diaz-Petti, LCSW Deputy Commissioner New Jersey Department of Children and Families S P E A K E R S P E A K E R S P E A K E R NUMBER AND TYPE OF CREDITS 1.25 General CE Behavioral Health: New Jersey’s Landscape and Vision for the Future, Course #6717 is approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program to be offered by the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA) as an individual course. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE course approval period: 4/6/2026 - 4/6/2028. Social workers completing this course will receive 1 general continuing education credit. ................................................................................................................ This course is approved by the NJ Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA), as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #87719, NJAMHAA is responsible for all aspects of the programming.