Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN)

The CYSHCN Program supports children (ages 0–18) in Chelan and Douglas Counties who have disabilities, developmental delays, or other health conditions. Our mission is to ensure every child and family receives the care, resources, and support they need in a welcoming, inclusive environment.

We collaborate with families, healthcare providers, schools, Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT), and local and state partners to build a coordinated system of care that meets the unique needs of each child. Through advocacy, education, and resource development, we work to improve services and create lasting change in our communities—so that all children with special healthcare needs can thrive.

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Care Coordination:

In partnership with Action Health Partners, CDHD now has two dedicated care coordinators who specialize in supporting families of Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs (CYSHCN). Our care coordinators help families connect with disability services, access local resources or health providers, find financial assistance for their child’s health needs, and better understand their child’s condition through education and support. There are no specific eligibility requirements.

Referrals can be made in several ways:

Healthcare providers can fax the child’s medical records to our secure eFax.
Families can self-refer by completing the online referral form.
Community partners can also use this referral form by selecting the option “referral made by another person or organization.”

NOTE: If you suspect child neglect or abuse, you should make a referral to Child Protective Services (CPS). It is not appropriate to make a CYSHCN referral to assess abuse when that possibility has already been identified. It is appropriate to also make a CYSHCN referral for these children, with a note that CPS referral has been made; the CYSHCN staff will make every effort to coordinate with the CPS caseworker.

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Contact

‍Phone/eFax

Phone Number: 509-886-6400 eFax: 509-343-3241

Hours of Operation

Monday-Friday 9AM – 5PM

Address

200 Valley Mall Parkway, East Wenatchee, WA 98802

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Emergency Preparedness for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs

Family Communication Plan (Plan de Comunicación Familiar en español)

Ready Checklist (Lista de Preparación en español)

Chelan County Access to Functional Needs

Douglas County Vulnerable Person's Registry

Planning for an emergency with a special needs child can often be more complicated due to managing multiple prescription medications, feeding issues, and assistive technology. The best time to start planning for an unexpected emergency is now. Take a look at the following resources to ensure that you and your family are prepared in case disaster strikes.

· Consider the types of potential situations that may affect your region: natural disasters, fires, wildfire smoke, droughts, power outages, pandemics, and terrorism.

· Talk to your doctor about how to get prescriptions filled during an emergency. Consider how your prescription medications need to be stored and if you can make that happen in the case of power loss or extreme heat.

· Be prepared with back up energy supply if required for your child’s healthcare need

_{o How do you feed your child who requires mechanical feeding?}

_{o How long will my child’s oxygen or ventilator last?}

_{o Where is the best place to go if our back-up power plan fails?}

· Make a Family communication plan! (plan de comunicación)

· Register your child who may need additional assistance during an evacuation on the vulnerable person’s registry or access and functional needs program in your county.