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Children with Special Health Care Needs
In Washington State, about one in five children have a significant chronic illness or disability. Children with special health care needs have ongoing health problems such as asthma, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), diabetes, cancer or cerebral palsy.
The Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN) program coordinates care for children with (or at risk for) disabilities and chronic conditions, from birth to age 18. Hospital discharge planning is offered and families are encouraged to get connected to a “medical home.” Call (509) 324-1697.
The Children with Special Health Care Needs program includes:
- Care Coordination – Although parents may eventually serve as their own care coordinator, initially they may want the help of a public health nurse. Families receive coordination of health, education, and social services to best meet the needs of the child. The public health nurse recognizes changing needs and works with families to provide a stable and positive relationship.
- Cleft Lip & Palate – Children (age birth to 21) with cleft lip and/or palate (maxillofacial) conditions receive care coordination through a multi-disciplinary team approach. The baby is followed by a public health nurse who addresses feeding issues as well as monitoring growth and development during home visits. At age two, the child is evaluated by the Maxillofacial Review Board Team and a comprehensive treatment plan is developed. The Review Board services are also offered to families in ten Eastern Washington counties. Call (509) 324-1652.
Cleft Lip & Palate – Parent Support Group: www.spokanesmilesonline.com
- Infant Toddler Network – Families of young children (birth to age 3) with developmental delays or a condition that may result in a developmental delay are assisted and supported by family resources coordinators. A child may also be eligible if there is a vision and/or hearing loss. Families are assisted with access to early intervention services, financial and other community resources. The Infant Toddler Network is funded by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA-Part C). A detailed Family Guide to Early Intervention Resources is available. Call (509) 324-1651.
- WorkFirst Initiative – Public health nurses assess the special needs of children referred by state WorkFirst social workers, to determine the impact of the child’s needs on the parent’s ability to participate in the WorkFirst program. A plan is developed to ensure the family is engaged in activities leading to eventual economic self-sufficiency, while nurses work to ensure the necessary support is received to address the child’s needs. Call (509) 324-1696.
Child Health Notes Newsletters
Quarterly newsletters for health care providers on CSHCN issues: Child Health Notes archive
Department of Health Report:
Community Based Nutrition Services for Children with Special Health Care Needs in Spokane County, Washington (August 2006)
Sources for more information and additional resources include:
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