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This page was last modified on : 12/13/2012 |
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Suggestions for this site?Finding ServicesIntroduction By definition, children with special health care needs need more health and related services than typically developing children. Knowing how to quickly find appropriate services can be difficult for both families and health care providers. This section links you with people and resource lists that can help you find the services you need.
Who Can Help You Find Services? You are the expert on your child. Your child's doctor or nurse and other service providers can work with you and your family to figure out how best to meet your child's needs. Ideally, you will want to find services that are:
Your Child's Doctor and Office If your child needs to see a medical or surgical specialist, ask your child's primary care provider whom he or she would recommend. Many primary care providers have established relationships with specialists with whom they have set up effective ways to co-manage the care of children with special health care needs. To learn more about the many different pediatric medical and surgical specialists to whom you may be referred, please see the brief fact sheets by the American Academy of Pediatrics. You will also want to know what services and providers are covered by your particular health insurance. Consider bringing your child's doctor or nurse a list of specialty providers covered by your insurance for him or her to make recommendations about whom to see. Ask your child's primary care provider for recommendations for other services you may need as well. Additional services might include: nutrition consultation, speech therapy, family support or help coordinating services. Primary care providers who take care of children with special needs learn from their patients and families about their experiences with particular community services or medical specialists.
If you need help getting started, consider calling the Family Health Hotline. This is a statewide, toll-free Information and Referral Line from WithinReach. Most of the staff is bilingual in English and Spanish. WithinReach also has access to interpretive service for 50 languages. 1-800 322-2588 or 1-800-833-6388 (TTY relay). For a quick list of statewide resources or the key care coordinators who can help you access these resources, please see Quick Key Contacts. Key Community Services If you have concerns about your child's development and he or she is between birth and 36 months old, your family may be eligible for services from the Infant Toddler Early Intervention Program (ESIT). (Click here for an overview of services available through ESIT and common parent questions) Your local Family Resources Coordinator can help you and your doctor or nurse find the right screening and early intervention services. The Children with Special Health Care Needs Coordinator public health nurse in your local health department can also help you identify services. CSHCN Coordinators can help you identify and coordinate services and resources for children with special health care needs aged birth to 18 years old. Other parents and family support organizations can also help you learn about the types of services needed by children with needs similar to your child and who in the community provides these services. Your child's school district can also help. County-Specific Resource Lists Families and health care providers report that it is difficult to find out what local services are available for children with special health care needs and their families. Use the Resources By County page to help in your search for resources close to home. The Resources and Support section of this website lists on-line directories to help families and providers find and access health care providers, hospitals and other health and human services in Washington. Service Providers listed include:
Other Resources for Finding Services Starting Point
Kinship Care in Washington State
Resources for Special Education and Disability Terms
Knowledge Path: Locating Community-Based Services to Support Children and Families
Mobility problems?
Fact Sheets About Pediatric Subspecialists
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