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NEW JERSEY STATE PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE HISTORY The Junior Leagues of New Jersey State Public Affairs Committee (NJ SPAC) originated from concerns raised by Newark volunteers over the placement of abandoned babies in an overcrowded municipal hospital, often for extended periods. The Newark Junior League, along with the Montclair and Oranges-Short Hills Leagues, advocated to local freeholders for the creation of an infant shelter in Essex County. After several meetings with state and county officials, funds were finally secured. However, in the process of achieving this goal, the Tri-Leagues of Essex County became acutely aware of the broader need for improved services for the state’s children.
This realization led to the re-activation of NJ SPAC by the Executive Council of the New Jersey Junior Leagues in April 1970. The committee's primary goal was to address the issues faced by abandoned, abused, and neglected children in New Jersey and advocate for changes to the state's child welfare laws. NJ SPAC’s work began with a study of the Blum Report, a comprehensive analysis of children's services in the state, completed in 1968 under the direction of Professor Jerome Blum. Although this report was minimally publicized, it raised many questions about the quality of the state’s services and became the foundation for NJ SPAC’s education efforts. During the spring of 1970, representatives from each of the New Jersey Leagues attended the NJ SPAC meeting. They agreed to study the Blum Report and conduct additional research over the summer. Delegates, working in pairs, conducted interviews with district offices of the Bureau of Children’s Services, private child service agencies, county welfare departments, and school districts. The findings, presented in September, confirmed the urgent need for action on behalf of New Jersey’s children. Meanwhile, Sally Orr, NJ SPAC’s first Chair, appeared before the Senate Committee on Institutions and Agencies in June 1970. She explained the reasons for re-activating NJ SPAC, requested broader circulation of the Blum Report, and expressed the committee’s intention to return with recommendations after completing their research. By September, NJ SPAC was energized by the research findings and the insights shared by Dr. Leontine Young, a renowned author and Director of the Child Service Association of Newark. Following advice from Myron Chevlin of AJLI, the committee established two long-term goals:
Three task forces were formed to focus on Adoption, Child Abuse, and Residences for Hard-to-Place Adolescents. Over time, additional task forces, such as Juvenile Justice, Legislative Affairs, and Learning Disabilities, were created based on evolving needs. Four professional advisors—two directors of private social service agencies, a lawyer, and a public county welfare director—were appointed to guide NJ SPAC. The committee’s first legislative success came with the passage of a bill providing emergency appropriations to the Bureau of Children’s Services. In October 1970, NJ SPAC received approval from the Executive Council to represent all ten New Jersey Junior Leagues on public affairs issues, once endorsed by task forces and advisors. This marked the beginning of a unique, effective advocacy group that has earned the respect of both the Leagues it represents and public officials. |
Sue Flynn, Assistant SPAC Chair, giving testimony during an Assembly Appropriations hearing on 12/13/2012. She spoke in favor of A3352, the Human Trafficking Prevention, Protection and Treatment Act.
SPAC chair Patricia Devine Harms 2012
Teri Di Francesco, SPAC Chair (2007-2009)
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Association of Junior Leagues International
Junior Leagues of New Jersey - State Council
Association of Junior Leagues International
Junior Leagues of New Jersey - State Council
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