The Michigan Association for Children with Emotional Disorders (MACED) is an unusual organization as it is not a part of a national organization. It is very much a niche organization. It focuses on social action and advocacy and is specific to Michigan. This organization is the one that funds court cases and tries to take on the cause of children who have a serious emotional disorder (SED)/serious mental illness (SED) that have become enmeshed in the criminal justice system due to an illness or emotional disorder. It sometimes partners with NAMI MI, MHAM and the ACMH in advocacy efforts.

The Michigan Association for Children with Emotional Disorders (MACED) was started in 1957 in response to the needs of troubled children and teens by parents, mental health professionals and educators. In 1957 hundreds of children were hospitalized in adult mental health wards. MACED led an effort to get hospitals and care targeted, mandatory and available to children that were more appropriate, focusing on the need for a full continuum of care for adolescents. Also in 1957 there were no special schools or programs for children with serious emotional disorders (SED).

In MACED professionals and parents partner together to make much needed changes. Currently MACED is fighting to help children with SED be able to receive treatment instead of incarceration; trying to make sure appropriate services and supports are available to children who need them. More children with SED/SMI are ending up as victims of the juvenile justice system. MACED works to make sure that doesn't happen. All too often parents feel there is no answer and feel forced to walk away from their SED/SMI child, and leave them in the care of the Department of Human Services (DHS)/Family Independence Agency (FIA).

MACED is immersed in advocacy efforts to persuade policy makers to ensure adequate funding so that children with a serious emotional disorder (SED)/serious mental illness (SMI) can receive the care they need. When children with SED/SMI have symptoms that are mistaken for delinquent behaviors, too often they are committed to jails, prisons and juvenile detention centers. These facilities too often try to punish and seldom have adequate mental health treatment.

MACED is funded through grants, private contributions, and fundraising efforts. It also receives funds through the United Way as a United Way organization,

If you need services or assistance from MACED you can call them at (248) 433-2200.