Parents with mental illness face the same challenges that all parents face; housing, employment, money management, transportation, childcare and more.  Parents with mental illness encounter the additional challenges of medication, hospitalization, the fear of loss of custody of their children and the isolation created by the stigma of mental illness.  The Consumer Parent Support Network recognizes the importance of the relationship between parents and their children.  Our staff has first-hand experience and know that parents need someone who believes in them and will provide support to them in their role as parents.  The purpose of the program is to support parents with a diagnosis of a mental illness in their parenting efforts and to promote the healthy functioning of their families.  The services offered include case management, one to one support from another consumer parent, referral and linkage to other services, parenting education workshops, education about mental illness and advocacy for needed services. CPSN uses traditional case management and combines it with support groups, education with advocacy and mentors.  Each program participant has the opportunity to select from a variety of support services that will strengthen their role as a parent.  The program will assist with needed referrals and case management.  Our Parent Advocates are both parents and consumers.  They can help you negotiate the challenges of parenting by acting as a mentor, sounding board and source of encouragement.  Parents with a mental illness who are residents of Passaic County and have children under the age of eighteen living with them are eligible to receive these services.  All our services are provided in English and Spanish and are free to you. 

Click here to download the Referral Form

Click here to download the Brochure

For more information, please email Yolanda Cobos, or call her at 973-478-4444, x 114.