Juvenile Justice Family Advocacy Initiative
What We Provide:
Assistance to Juvenile Justice Commission (JJC) families with navigating the juvenile justice system and accessing services, resources, and information needed to knowledgeably advocate for and support their child by;
- Workshops (virtual, in-person, and recorded) on:
- navigating the juvenile justice system
- self-care & wellness
- self-advocacy
- leadership and more
- Telephone assistance to help answer your family’s individual questions
- Family-friendly resources available in multiple languages
- Conferences and information sessions to provide learning and skill development
- Opportunities to provide feedback on your experience with the JJC
Assistance for families and youth who need:- School support, including
assistance with re-enrollment and special education services - Help with mental health and
substance abuse challenges - To prepare for discharge/release
Help understanding and working with probation/parole - Emotional support
- Connection with appropriate
community resources
- School support, including
Our Vision
Through our partnership with the Juvenile Justice Commission, SPAN offers supportive services to JJC families. Our approach prioritizes compassionate engagement, ensuring we understand each family’s unique needs, while respecting their cultural backgrounds.
By empowering families with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, we help them to navigate their journey with confidence and resilience.
“By successfully engaging families served by the JJC, we are building a brighter bridge for youth, their families, and their communities.”
Family-Centered Resource Council
Council (FCRC) will work collaboratively with the JJC and SPAN to represent the needs of JJC youth and families and serve as a resource for families and JJC staff and to facilitate and execute shared system goals as a resource for families and JJC staff. Council members will include diverse family leaders with lived experience who will be provided training and mentoring to enhance their leadership skills.
For Information, Resources & Support:
Monique Dujue Wilson
Serving the following facility/program: DOVES RCH, New Jersey Training School (NJTS), Northern Regional Independence and Reentry Success Center, Voorhees RCH, Warren RCH
Beth Wells
Serving the following facility/program: Albert Elias RCH, Costello Prep RCH, Female Secure Care & Intake Facility (Hayes), Juvenile Medium Secure Facility (JMSF), Ocean RCH, Pinelands RCH, Southern RCH, Vineland Prep RCH
A SPAN project funded by the New Jersey Juvenile Justice Commission