SPAN Parent Advocacy Network
Individual and Family ServicesNew Jersey, United States51-200 Employees
SPAN Parent Advocacy Network is an independent, parent-led nonprofit focused on empowering families and supporting parents as advocates to improve outcomes for children. The organization concentrates on those with greatest need, including children with disabilities or special health or mental health needs, families facing poverty, discrimination, or involvement with foster care or juvenile justice systems. Its programs for families, professionals, and others include workshops, publications, direct support, and policy advocacy, with the aim of helping parents access information, secure services, and navigate education and health systems. Based in Newark, New Jersey, SPAN operates within the field of individual and family services and serves parents, families, and professionals seeking guidance on education and health care systems. The organization emphasizes enabling parents to participate as partners in improving schools, with focus areas including general and special education, bilingual education, and health care. In January 2023, SPAN announced a collaboration with Inclusive Healthy Communities-R and several partner organizations to advance inclusive healthy communities.