Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs program, also known as “CYSHCN,” assists parents of children aged from birth to 18 with specialized healthcare needs. The program is client-centered, coordinated and comprehensive. CYSHCN is organized with the family in mind to provide more easily accessible resources within Chelan and Douglas County.
CYSHCN promotes an integrated system of services for infants, children and youth up to age 18 who may have or are at risk for medical, physical, developmental or behavioral healthcare conditions which require an extension of healthcare related services beyond primary care. The program supports families with resources and linkages to community services including support, coordination and health education.
Eligibility
There is no income eligibility requirement to enroll into the CYSHCN program at Chelan-Douglas Health District.
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
Emergency Preparedness for Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs
All children have unique needs during an emergency. For some children, preparedness planning is often more complicated. Families of children with complex healthcare needs are often focused on meeting the day-to-day needs of their child. It is important to consider the needs of your child in a disaster or emergency.
- Think about potential situations that may affect your family: natural disasters, fires, wildfire smoke, droughts, power outages, pandemics, and terrorism.
- Ask your child's doctor about how to get prescriptions filled during an emergency.
- How can I keep refrigerated medications cool during a power loss?
- Be prepared with back up energy supply if required for your child's healthcare needs.
- In a power outage, how do I feed my child who requires a mechanical feeding?
- In a power outage, how long does my child’s oxygen or ventilator last?
- Where is the best place to go if our back-up power plan fails?
- Talk with family members, friends, and neighbors about their experiences in your community. Make a family communication plan!
- Register your child who would need additional help during an evacuation due to mobility, hearing, speech or other issues that would hamper their ability to evacuate on their own.
Resources
Chelan County Access and Function Needs Program
Douglas County Vulnerable Persons Registry
Early Intervention-(Birth to 3)
Early Intervention (Birth to 3) - NCESD
Phone Number: 509-664-3781
CDC Milestone Tracker App
CDC's Milestone Tracker App| CDC
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
