The Statewide Parent Advocacy Network of New Jersey (SPAN), in collaboration with the Family Support Center and the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services Special Child Health Services, has expanded and enhanced our services to families of children with special needs. Family WRAP provides one-stop, “wrap-around” services, information, resources and support to families of children with disabilities, developmental delays and special health care needs. Family WRAP combines three SPAN programs: Family Resource Specialists/Project CARE, Parent to Parent, and Family Voices.

For assistance from a Family Resource Specialist:
Patricia Paraskevacos, Project Coordinator, 
Family WRAP
Passaic County Special Child Health Services
Case Management Unit
279 Carroll Street • Paterson, NJ 07501
(973) 523-6778 x19

Services are provided to parents, caregivers, families and professionals at no cost or expense.

SPAN Family Resource Specialists are stationed part-time at Special Child Health Services/Case Management Units in Bergen, Camden, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Morris, Passaic, Union, and Sussex counties. They provide information and advocacy on family rights in the early intervention and special education processes, and resources such as parent support groups and respite care. They support families at IEP meetings, health care appointments, and hospital visits, and help families resolve conflicts with school and healthcare staff.

Through Parent to Parent, four Regional Associates (northwest, northeast, central and south), a Bergen-Passaic Coordinator, and an Essex County Coordinator housed in SPAN’s Newark office, can match families of children with disabilities or special health care needs with “supporting parents.” They are also available to conduct orientations for parent groups and individual parents interested in becoming “supporting parents,” to build skills in effective listening, active communication, parent empowerment strategies, and methods of providing support. The Family Support Center of New Jersey provides families with crucial information about their child’s special needs, available resources, and support.

Family Voices coordinators provide telephone assistance and training on health care, health coverage, and effective health advocacy and informed decision-making. They have free literature and a newsletter available to help you advocate on behalf of your child’s health, insurance information and other medical issues affecting children with special needs. They can also provide information on New Jersey FamilyCare for your children and family.