New Jersey Parents' Caucus, Inc.
The New Jersey Parents' Caucus, Inc. is a non-profit, parent-driven organization whose mission is to ensure that every family who has children with special emotional and behavioral challenges is given an opportunity to play a strong and active role in the development and delivery of effective and timely services for their children.
Description:
The New Jersey Parents' Caucus is committed to our mission through the provision of programs and services for families raising children with emotional and behavioral challenges who may be involved in the Mental Health, Special Education, DYFS and/or Juvenile Justice system. Our organization is primarily staffed by parents and caregivers, many of them with advanced degrees, as well as a multitude of volunteers who are committed to uplifting families in the state of New Jersey and improving their access to appropriate treatment, services and supports. Our programs include Information and Referral; Community Outreach; Training & Education: Parents' Empowerment Academy - Professional Parent Advocacy Training (6 week educational curriculum for parents, caregivers and professionals serving families); Advocacy services for families struggling in the Mental Health, Special Education, DYFS/child welfare, Juvenile Justice, and Developmental Disabilities arena; Man Talk Fatherhood Educational Initiative for fathers and male caregivers; NJ Youth Justice Initiative for special needs children who are incarcerated as adults; Monthly E-Resources Newsletter; Statewide Youth Group; Families Uplifted Prevention Initiative (OJJDP) for families raising children in at-risk communities; Youth Workforce Development Training Program; Parent Mentoring Program for families involved in the child welfare system and our website www.newjerseyparentscaucus.org
History:
In 1990 a small group of concerned parents formed an action committee to effect policy changes concerning the delivery of services to New Jersey's families and children with severe emotional and behavioral needs.
By 1996 the members increased steadily. They expanded to include families as far south as Cape May County and as far north as Sussex County.The NJ Parents' Caucus held focus groups around the state and heard the stories of many diverse families. Members sat on advisory groups and supported other parents by phone.
In 1998 the NJ Parents' Caucus joined with other children's advocacy groups to make policy that could directly impact the lives of these families and children. The "Children and Family Workgroup" also presented testimony about the children's mental health system to Committees in the State Senate and Assembly and elsewhere. A "Children's Summit" was held in the Assembly Chamber and raised broad issues about children. The Governor's office directed the Parents' Caucus to translate ten points of their policy initiative into ten action steps.On January 24th, 2000, New Jersey's Governor announced the new Children's System of Care Initiative. which was recently renamed The Partnership For Children. Today, the New Jersey Parents' Caucus is a not-for-profit organization which provides community education, training, advocacy, support, oureach, direct services and information resources and referrals to children, youth, parents, caregivers and professionals throughout the state of New Jersey.
Contact people:
Office fax number: (973) 989-8867
Address:
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236 South Salem StreetRandolph, NJ 07869(See a map) |
Web Site: http://www.newjerseyparentscaucus.org
Directions:
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Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: Dover
Nearest Bus Stop: Randolph |
| Last updated on July 11, 2009 |
