Family Support and Advocacy
Family Resource Network
The Family Resource Network (FRN) is dedicated to offering individuals and their families with continuing needs the greatest opportunities, resources and services to support a full and happy life. The Family Resource Network is a comprehensive family-focused umbrella of organizations designed to meet the growing need for community-based programs and services to individuals and families with a variety of disabilities and chronic conditions through our three affiliate organizations (below). The Family Resource Network is a statewide organization with offices located in East Windsor New Jersey. FRN serves approximately 30,000 individuals annually.
The Arc of NJ Family Institute IEP GO BAG
https://www.thearcfamilyinstitute.org/resources/iepgobag.html
-What You Need When You're Preparing to Meet-Accommodations & Modifications-Self-Determination/Self-Advocacy-Transition-Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973...and much more!
The Arc of NJ Family Institute GO BAGS
https://www.thearcfamilyinstitute.org/resources/go-bags.html
What's In Your Go Bag?
The Go Bag was created to help you be the best ADVOCATE you can be for your loved one with an intellectual or developmental disability. A Go Bag is a simple collection of necessary resources about a specific topic. The topics will vary but the message is the same. Be Prepared!GO BAGS TOPICS: Early Intervention, Assistive Technology, IEP's, Guardianship, Healthcare, ABLE Accounts, DVRS, Post Secondary, Public Policy, Respite, DDD Eligibility, Special Needs Trust, Support Coordination
NJ Department of Human Services
The New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) is the state’s largest agency. It serves about 2.1 million New Jerseyans, or about one of every five state residents and one out of every three children. We serve older New Jerseyans, individuals and families with low incomes; people with developmental disabilities, or late-onset disabilities; people who are blind, visually impaired, deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf-blind; parents needing child care services, child support and/or healthcare for their children; people who are dealing with addiction and mental health issues; and families facing catastrophic medical expenses for their children. Through our eight divisions, we provide numerous programs and services designed to give eligible individuals and families the help they need for economic and health challenges. They include health insurance through NJ FamilyCare or Medicaid, food assistance through NJ SNAP, independent living supports, personal care services, and much more. We hope you find our information and resources useful as you go through our website
Human Services Announces New Help Line for Caregivers of Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Caregivers Can Call 833-NJ-ADULT (833-652-3858) Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.
New Jersey Office of the Ombudsman
https://nj.gov/treasury/njombudsman/
The Office of the Ombudsman for Individuals with Intellectual or Developmental Disabilities and Their Families was established by the State Legislature in December 2017 to serve individuals and their families to help make sure that they get the services and supports they need and deserve.
Signed into law by Governor Chris Christie in January 2018, the Office was made operational when Governor Phil Murphy appointed the first Ombudsman a few months later. The legislation creating the Office outlines specific responsibilities, which can be grouped into 3 categories:
Assisting individuals and families to navigate New Jersey’s system of care to get the services and supports they need and deserve;
Working with individuals and families to identify opportunities for improving the system; and
Helping to ensure that the voice of individuals and families is heard in a meaningful way in decisions that directly affect them as well as in larger policy discussions.
NJ Self Advocacy Project
The New Jersey Self-Advocacy Project (NJSAP) was established in 1983 to challenge individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to become involved in events, legislative policies, and issues that affect their lives or lives of others with disabilities. We work together with these individuals to form The New Jersey Statewide Self-Advocacy Network (NJSSAN), which is used as means of supporting positive change on both a personal and social level. The NJSSAN consists of five Councils based on geographic location within the state. To learn more about the NJSSAN and how to attend monthly Council meetings, click here. Our work includes conducting trainings and leadership seminars for self-advocates and group advisors across the state, supporting more than 150 self-advocacy groups across the state, facilitating fundraising and public outreach initiatives, conducting presentations to community groups, schools and conference audiences, and educating state legislators regarding issues of importance to people with disabilities.
The September 26 Project
The annual emergency preparedness checkup for autism and special needs families.
Fire Preparedness Checklist
Natural Disaster Checklist
Wandering Prevention Checklist
Autism Radio
Autism Radio™ is a Non Profit 501(c)(3) Organization that is committed to making a difference in the Autism Community. Our Mission is to improve the lives of the individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their friends and families, who struggle to understand, treat, care for, and get the help necessary for their loved ones.
Common Ground - NJCDD
Since almost 15% of the students in New Jersey have a disability, the New Jersey Council on Developmental Disabilities (NJCDD) has a strong interest in helping to promote greater awareness and action. That is why, since 1992, Common Ground, a project of the NJCDD, has been reaching out to a broad range of stakeholders to share information about issues that affect students with disabilities.
Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks is dedicated to promoting solutions, across the spectrum and throughout the life span, for the needs of individuals with autism and their families through advocacy and support; increasing understanding and acceptance of people with autism spectrum disorder; and advancing research into causes and better interventions for autism spectrum disorder and related conditions.
Family Support Center of New Jersey
https://www.tricountyresourcenet.org/search/family-support-center-of-nj/
The Family Support Center is a clearinghouse of up-to-date information on a national, state and local family support programs, services and disabilities. The Center offers a "One-Stop-Shopping" approach to individuals seeking information on disabilities and services by providing them with easy access to a comprehensive array of services. Be sure to visit their Training Calendar for monthly listings of workshops, seminars, conferences, etc!
SCARC Guardianship Services, Inc.
The mission of SCARC Guardianship Services, Inc. is to serve as lifelong advocates for people with developmental disabilities who cannot acquire needed services independently. We will work with persons with developmental disabilities, their families, and other service providers to achieve a secure life for those we serve. Our organization resolves to preserve the rights of individuals with developmental disabilities and to expand their opportunities and life choices.
Children's Specialized Hospital
Children's Specialized Hospital is the nation's leading provider of inpatient and outpatient care for children from birth to 21 years of age facing special health challenges - from chronic illnesses and complex physical disabilities like brain and spinal cord injuries, to developmental and behavioral issues like autism and mental health. At 13 different New Jersey locations, our pediatric specialists partner with families to make our many innovative therapies and medical treatments more personalized and effective so each child can reach their full potential. Webinars: Link to Webinars
Family Support Organizations
https://www.nj.gov/dcf/families/support/support/
Family Support Organizations (FSO’s) are family-run, county-based organizations that provide direct family-to-family peer support, education, advocacy and other services to family members of children with emotional and behavioral problems. To access services, click on the link above and you will find contact information for each county in New Jersey. You may call these organizations directly
or call 1-877- 652-7624.
The Daniel J Fiddle Foundation
Autism Resource LinksThe following is a listing of autism resource links, particularly geared to adults on the spectrum, that includes a brief description of each. The Daniel Jordan Fiddle Foundation provides this listing as a public service ONLY and does not endorse or recommend any of the mentioned resources. Please always ask questions, obtain references and consult professionals for guidance on all information provided here.
Family Partners of Morris & Sussex Counties
Family Partners of Morris & Sussex Counties, a Family Support Organization, is a private, family-led organization that provides support for families with children who have special mental health, emotional or behavioral challenges and is based on three core principals: Support, Education and Advocacy.
SPAN Parent Advocacy Network
Over 30 Years of AdvocacyProviding information, resources, support, and advocacy assistance to families, professionals, policy makers, and our Parent Center colleagues. Our foremost commitment is to those with greatest need due to:
Disability or special health/mental health needs
Material poverty or financial instability
Discrimination (race, sex, language, immigrant status, homelessness, etc.)
Involvement in the foster care, child welfare, or juvenile justice systems
Geographic location
Other special circumstances
Family Wrap
Family WRAPWISDOM, RESOURCES, ADVOCACY, PARENT TO PARENT SUPPORTFamily Resource Specialists (FRSs) are a diverse and multilingual team of parents of children and youth with special needs who are trained to help other parents at the local level. FRSs are trained to help parents advocate throughout their child’s development, from preschool to adult life.
How the Family Resource Specialist Can Help
As a listener, recognizing your unique needs
Guiding you toward resources at key transitions throughout your child’s development (transitions to preschool, elementary school, and secondary education, and from school to adult life)
Strengthening your capacity and that of other families to advocate for their child(ren) across systems by providing technical assistance and relevant workshops
Collaborating with agencies at local, city, and state levels to make programs and policies more family-centered and easily accessible to all
Resources for Morris & Sussex County Children and Families
www.morrissussexresourcenet.org
MorrisSussexResourceNet.org is a free web tool providing a wide range of information about support, resources, and services for families in Morris and Sussex counties in New Jersey.
Autism Spectrum Education Network (ASPEN)
ASPEN provides families and individuals whose lives are affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders (Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder-NOS, High Functioning Autism), and Nonverbal Learning Disabilities with:
Education about the issues surrounding the disorders.
Support in knowing that they are not alone, and in helping individuals with ASD's and NLD achieve their maximum potential.
Advocacy in areas of appropriate educational programs, medical research funding, adult issues and increased public awareness and understanding.
Plan NJ
WHO WILL CARE FOR MY LOVED ONE WHEN I AM GONE?
LIFETIME ADVOCACY FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
Planned Lifetime Assistance of New Jersey (PLAN/NJ) is a unique, not-for-profit agency that provides practical solutions, thus lessening the fear and anxiety families experience when planning for the future. We help deliver the legal, financial, and independent living supports people need and deserve.
Our services ensure that people with disabilities are safe, secure, and thriving, now and in the future.
K2K
K2K is a 501 (c) (3) lead by a group of young high school students who have been inspired to “Give Back” to their community through work with special needs children. Over time we learned that time for learning is precious for these kids. That parents all want their child to be a productive citizen. Our Programs and services needed to be more than events. We work to develop lifelong skills through the inspiring leadership of young adults. Visit our website for more information about our programs...
Comprehensive Behavioral Healthcare, Inc.
CBH Care Wellness & Support Center provides Bergen County residents with urgent care and early intervention mental health support services. It offers access to short term and recovery oriented crisis intervention and also provides stabilization services for individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
Community Health Law Project
Our MissionTo provide legal and advocacy services, training, education, and related activities to persons with disabilities and,
in certain issues, to organizations representing their interests,
with an emphasis on those most vulnerable and needy.
Volunteer Lawyers for Justice for NJ
(Not for Profit-Essex County Only)
PO Box 32040, Newark, NJ 07102
973-645-1955
Hinkle, Prior & Fischer: Attorneys at Law
Hinkle Prior & Fischer, P.C.
Attorneys at Law
2651 Main Street
Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648
Phone: 609-896-4200
Fax: 609-895-9524
Law Offices of Jonathan Bressman, LLC
All Counties
310 Passaic Ave. Suite 301, Fairfield, NJ 07004
973-227-1268, jbressman@estatelawnj.com
ALLIED WEALTH PARTNERS
Earl A. Pedersen, Financial Advisor
Investments ~ Retirement Planning ~ Estate Planning ~ Special Needs Planning ~ Business Planning ~ Education Funding ~ Life Insurance
DIRECT: 973.265.1317 OFFICE: 973.299.9222 ext. 317 CELL: 973-600-6360
14 Walsh Drive Suite 100, Parsippany NJ 07054
epedersen@alliedwealthpartners.com
New Roads Financial
WHO WE ARE…
Financial planning is a combination of education, the right advice and confidence in your decisions. Because the complexity of financial issues has continuously changed over the past decade and will continue to evolve, understanding your financial position and how to move forward is crucial to your success. It takes commitment and dedication, but with the right education and partner, it is possible to effectively pursue your goals.
WHAT WE DO…
Our Financial Planning services include recommendations on areas such as: Tax Planning, Cash Flow Management, Risk Management, Estate Planning, Investment Management, Education Funding, Retirement Planning, Social Security Claiming Strategies. Our services offer assistance in the design, implementation, ongoing changes and monitoring necessary for your investment portfolio to stay on target with the overall goals that have been established within your financial plan.
Center for Evaluation and Counseling
Parents Helping Parents: Parents, please join us and share your parenting triumphs and challenges with other parents just like you!
Teen Talk: This interactive approach allows adolescents to connect and provide emotional support for one another.
Locations in Sparta and Parsippany
Dratch Consulting
DRATCH CONSULTING, LLC is a family services consulting firm specializing in providing legal services to children and adults with special needs. In addition to helping parents obtain court-ordered guardianships when their child is 18 or older, Attorney Adam Dratch also assists families with establishing special needs trusts to ensure that the benefits their child is currently receiving (i.e. medicare, medicaid, social security, etc.) never get decreased or discontinued. Lastly, we create smart and affordable last wills and testaments specifically designed for parents with children with special needs to maximize their child's benefits.
The information on this website is based on recommendations of Celebrate the Children (CTC) staff and families. This information is not endorsed by CTC. It is reliable but at times may not be 100% accurate. CTC is not liable for actions or information given from these agencies.