The IRC is a joining of two information centers initally located in separate departments of the University of Wisconsin; the Child Psychopharmacology Information Service (CPIS), located in Medical School's Department of Psychiatry, and the Educational and Psychological Training Center (EPTC) located in the School of Education.

The CPIS operated for nearly a decade, during which time it provided critical information to researchers, mental health professionals, and families having questions about the use of psychiatric medications in children. In 1997, the EPTC established the MHERC, made possible through the generous support and vision of a private donor.

Realizing the potential benefits of joining efforts, the two units merged in early 1999 to allow a single information center to operate. This new collaborative effort assists our growth and ability to disseminate important information pertaining to child health and schooling issues.