Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs
Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs

Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs

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 ReferralsThe 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

https://helpmegrowwa.org

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

ParentHelp123

https://www.parenthelp123.org/.

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