During the past 20 years, innovative, effective partnerships among Federal and state governments, communities, families, providers, professional and voluntary organizations have resulted in the formulation and widespread acceptance of a new model of care for children with special health care needs (CSHCN). In 1989 this model was incorporated into new language for the Social Security Act, which directed the states to put in place community-based, family-centered, culturally competent, coordinated systems of care for CSHCN. Healthy People 2000 also mandated implementation of these comprehensive systems. However, much remains to be done. Healthy People 2010 has provided a unique opportunity for these partners, and some new ones, to commit to the next phase of the effort--full implementation of these systems for all CSHCN. A major national effort, co-sponsored by HRSA and the March of Dimes, has resulted in a 10-year action plan for achieving and measuring success for CSHCN has been developed around six core performance outcomes: (1) children receive regular ongoing comprehensive care within a medical home; (2) families have adequate insurance to pay for needed services; (3) children are screened early and continuously for special health care needs; (4) services are organized in ways families can use them easily; (5)families are decision makers and satisfied with services; and (6) youth receive services necessary to make appropriate transitions to adult life. This presentation will provide an overview of the action plan and suggest some critical next steps for making it a reality.
Learning Objectives: At the close of this session, the participant (learner) will be able to: describe the essential elements and six performance outcomes for a comprehensive system of care for children with special health care needs (CSHCN); describe the Healthy People 2010 objectives related to the system of care for CSHCN; and describe the key elements of the 10 action plan for achieving and measuring those objectives
Keywords: Children With Special Needs, Healthy People 2000/2010
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.