Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health NJ State Organization (NJ FFCMH)
CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS
Providing information, training, technical assistance, and support to families and youth with emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs, and working to improve services and policies that impact them
About Us / Our Programs / How we help families → NFFCMH
What the NJ FFCMH Provides
SPAN Parent Advocacy Network—New Jersey’s FFCMH State Organization—provides information, training, individual assistance, and support to families and youth with emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs, and works to improve services and policies that impact them.
More Information
For assistance with your individual child:
Contact (800) 654-SPAN (7726) or (973) 642-8100 and provide your information to the Intake Specialist. You will be contacted by an Information Specialist.
For information on upcoming workshops, or to access our video and webinar archives, go to our Learning Portal.
Sign up for the FFCMH Newsletter
Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Proclamation
As a chapter of the National Federation of Families, SPAN is proud that Governor Murphy proclaimed May 7-13, 2023 “Children’s Mental Health Acceptance Week” as part of Mental Health Awareness Month. Our work as part of the Federation has been to emphasize that “acceptance” more directly combats discrimination, prejudice, and subconscious bias. Awareness isn’t enough – but Acceptance demands we advocate and act to change attitudes, behaviors, and systems. Acceptance is social justice.
Library
Resources & Materials
Children’s Mental Health Activity Book | In honor of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, here is the Children’s Mental Health Activity Book: Just for Kids.
Mental Health for Children: What Parents Can Do | This infographic provides six tips for parents on what they can do at the individual and systems level to improve mental health services for their children.
4 Ways You Can Stop Mental Health Myths & Misperceptions | This infographic provides four things you can do to stop mental health myths and misperceptions.
An Asset Checklist for Parents | Helps families get an idea of how many of the 40 developmental assets their child experiences—where they experience a lot of assets and where they need more
Care Notebook: A Quick Guide | An organizing tool that helps families of children with special health care needs keep track of important information about their child’s health and care.
Family Guide to Systems of Care for Children with Mental Health Needs | Informs caregivers and families about how to seek help for children with mental health problems and what caregivers and families need to know, ask, expect, and do to get the most out of their experience with systems of care
More Information
Useful Links & Websites
Vision, Mission, and Principles | Vision, Mission and Principles of the National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
Children’s Mental Health Activity Book | In Honor of National Children’s Mental Health Awareness Week, you can download the Children’s Mental Health Activity Workbook: Just for Kids.
FFMCH Resources | Resources for families, youth/young adults, children, family-run organizations, and peer support specialists, on topics including mental health, suicide, substance use, wellness, family-driven practices, advocacy/policy/legislation, Medicaid, education, juvenile justice, and integrated care
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Links:
- Center for Mental Health Services
- Center for Substance Abuse Prevention
- Center for Substance Abuse Treatment
National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative | SAMHSA’s National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative (NCTSI) improves treatment and services for children, adolescents, and families who have experienced traumatic events.
Understanding Child Trauma | Infographics in multiple languages
Advocacy Toolkit | Tools and resources designed to help both individuals and organizations in their work as advocates and representatives of family voice in their communities, states, and nationwide
What Our Families Say
Losing my insurance turned out to be a blessing in disguise! I have a 13-year old with major behavioral challenges and at the suggestion of his neurologist, he was taking three different medications that made his behaviors worse and made him gain 40-50 pounds. I was desperate when I contacted SPAN because I could no longer afford the medications and was overwhelmed with his other health challenges. SPAN recommended the Federally Qualified Health Center near my home and over time we were able to wean him off the medications. I worked with SPAN to develop a positive behavior support plan for school and they helped us get connected with Special Child Health Services and the Family Support Organization. I am so amazed that my son is now a totally different kid! He lost 30 pounds in six months and his overall health and behavior has significantly improved. He can run around the park without wheezing!
Contact Us
PROGRAM STAFF
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Board member, National Federation of Families for Children’s Mental Health
973-642-8100 x 105