The Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) program assists parents that have children & youth with special needs by promoting a medical home model of care that is patient-centered, coordinated, comprehensive, and ongoing Community-based services that are organized so families can use them easily.
The program promotes an integrated system of services for infants, children and youth up to age 18 years who have or are at risk for chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions and require health and related services of a type or amount beyond what is generally needed. The program supports families with resources and linkages to community services including family support, care coordination, and health information.
Eligibility
This community service supports the child (Birth to 18) and family in the transition from hospital/clinic to home. Public Health staff continue to be available to the family and facilitate services as they progress through the continuum of care. This service is provided to families regardless of income and there is no charge to the family for CYSHCN services.
Home Health vs CYSHCN Services
It is very appropriate to refer to both a home health care nursing agency and a CYSHCN Care Coordinator since their roles are different. The home health care nurse focuses primarily on the child and the specific condition. The CYSHCN Care Coordinator focuses on the child within the family and the community and promotes family choice and collaboration between parents and professionals.
Referrals
Parents, doctor offices, hospitals, and community organizations can make referrals by filling out the referral form and submitting it
Reasons for CYSHCN Public Health Nurse Referrals – The child has complex health needs and the family needs assistance with:
- Finding or coordinating medical or behavioral health providers
- Accessing local resources and/or services for a child
- Finding financial assistance for a child’s health-related needs
- Understanding and/or coping with a child’s health condition
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.
Benefits
- Initial home visit by a Public Health Nurse to provide family support.
- Care Coordination between all of the child’s medical providers.
- Health Education to better understand the child’s development, feeding, nutrition, growth and behavior.
- Resource Referral to developmental services, insurance programs or parent support organizations.
CONTACT CYSHCN
Address
200 Valley Mall Parkway
East Wenatchee, WA 98802
Phone/Fax
Phone Number: 509-886-6400
Fax: 509-886-6478
Hours of Operation
Monday-Thursday 9AM – 5PM
Resources
Early Intervention-(Birth to 3)
Early Intervention (Birth to 3) - NCESD
Phone Number: 509-664-3781
The Brave Warrior Project
https://www.thebravewarriorproject.com
Phone Number: 509-888-0902
Within Reach
Family Health Hotline at WithinReach
WithinReach helps people across the state navigate complex health and social service systems.
Help Me Grow WA
1-800-322-2588 or 1-800-883-6388/TTY
Developmental Disabilities Administration
Service and Information Request | DSHS (wa.gov)
Phone Number: 1-800-319-7116
