NJPRA is an association dedicated to promoting psychiatric rehabilitation and recovery oriented services for people experiencing serious mental illnesses.  NJPRA envisions a transformed public mental health system in New Jersey which is based upon the values of wellness and recovery.  The Association brings together individuals, agencies and organizations to promote hope, opportunity, and community inclusion for persons in recovery and coping with a disability.  As part of this mission, NJPRA seeks to perform the following:

• Provide information sharing and training opportunities for people providing service to or otherwise interested in assisting individuals with psychiatric disabilities.
• Partner with and provide recommendations to governmental bodies and other organizations concerned with legislation and public policy with regard to the mental health system.
• Foster adn support efforts within the community at large to improve the quality of life for people experiencing serious mental illnesses.

NJPRA has five standing committees: Public Policy, Staff Training and Development, Conference Planning, Nominating, and Membership.  NJPRA also chairs the Partial Care and PACT Provider Practice Groups.  Also see our Board of Directors.
 

Public Policy and Advocacy, Nora Barrett, Chair

This committee sets goals and objectives each year. They are ranked in order of priority.

   a. Advocate for the Rehabilitation Option (Medicaid)
   b. Influence policy decisions by NJ Medicaid Office on  authorization of services
   c. Monitor managed Medicaid developments.

II. Develop and begin implementation of a housing advocacy plan

   a. Advocate for development of a statewide housing plan to be developed
       by NJ Department of Human Services

b. Work in partnership with Supported Housing Association for new Rental Assistance vouchers

III. Advocate for more and better-integrated employment services

a. Advocate for funding from the state
b. Develop partnership with Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)

IV. Advocate for better compensation for PsyR professionals

V. Work for licensure and certifications that include PsyR staff and programs

a. Work for recognition of PsyR Registry in NJ
b. Work for agency/program licensure/accreditation

VI. Work for mental health insurance parity legislation in New Jersey in collaboration with NAMI-NJ and other stakeholders

The Public Policy and Advocacy Committee works closely with the NJPRA Advocate, MBI Gluckshaw, as well as with both state and national legislators.

If you would like to contact Nora Barrett with issues on Public Policy or to join this committee, please send an email.

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Staff Development, Elizabeth Van Houtte, Chair

The Staff Development Committee is responsible for planning and implementing training and institutes throughout the year. The committee closely monitors issues and training needs that will keep NJPRA members and other professionals up to date.

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Conference Planning, Jennifer Sperduto, Chair

The Conference Planning Committee focuses solely on NJPRA's biggest event each year.  This committee handles obtaining speakers, selecting a site, hotel contracts, consumer scholarships, advertising, and sponsorships.  If you would like to become a member of the committee, please send an email to Jen Sperduto.

2008 Conference Planning Committee:

• Nora Barrett, Speakers

• Labake Cole, Sponsors

• Ruth Cook, Speakers, Proposal Review, Program Organization, CEUs, Calendar/Artwork Judge, Vendor Coordination

• Andrea Greco, Mailings, Proposal Review

• Faith McCalla, Brochure and Proceedings arrangement, Proposal Review, Calendar/Artwork Judge

• Kathy O'Donnell, Calendar/Artwork Coordinator, Raffle, Proposal Review

• Tammy Orthman, Calendar/Artwork Judge

• Jennifer Sperduto, Chair, Program Organization, Proposal Review, Speakers

• Elizabeth Van Houtte, Co-Chair, Program Organization, Proposal Review, Awards, Raffle

• Michelle Zechner, Speakers, Proposal Review

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Provider Groups

Dave D'Antonio of Bridgeway currently is the Chair of the Partial Care Providers Group. Mr. D'Antonio is a Member at Large on the NJPRA Board.  The Partial Care Providers Group meets on a monthly basis. The focus has been on issues relating to the Partial Care Regulations and Medicaid, i.e., off-site services, changes in prior authorization procedures, site visits and case audits. The Partial Care Providers Group is represented on the Public Policy Committee. The group has adopted and promotes the USPRA best practice and ethics of staff guidelines.

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Board of Directors

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New Jersey Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association: 551 Valley Road, Upper Montclair, NJ 07043

voicemail: (908) 757-8170     fax: (973) 450-1189 info@njpra.org