Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs

Whatcom County is strongly dedicated to building an inclusive community. Our aim is to ensure children and youth with special health care needs and their families get the support and resources they need. We want to promote a sense of belonging for all children, regardless of their abilities, in our community. 

Prevalence of Disabilities and Delays

Differences in how people learn, think, and experience the world are a normal part of human diversity and are common. According to our National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) (PDF), about 20% of children under 18 years old have a special healthcare need. 

Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program

The Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program supports a thriving community for children and young adults up to 21 years with a range of needs. They may have disabilities, delays, or special health needs that require different kinds of support to thrive. Their conditions and experiences can affect their physical, cognitive, emotional, or social development compared to others their age. In short, they learn, think, and experience the world differently. 

We recognize that these differences can be temporary or life-long and manifest in various ways. Society's structures and attitudes influence how these differences are seen and supported.

Our Goal

We work with families, community organizations, and state and local partners to support providers and families. Our goal is to ensure that every family receives the support their child needs in a friendly, inclusive environment so that their children can grow into healthy adults. We push for system and structure improvements and policy changes that help parents, siblings, and caregivers.

Funding

The CYSHCN program is a federal initiative funded through the Maternal Child Health Block Grant that supports critical public health functions to improve families' lives. We work with the Washington State CYSHCN program and the local community to create a more connected system for children with disabilities and their families.

What We Do

Our program develops resources, builds capacity and systems, shares information, educates, and more. Working with partners like providers, schools, families, and early intervention agencies, we aim to build a caring and accessible system of care and support for local families.

Whatcom Taking Action

Whatcom Taking Action is a community collaborative. We work together to address emerging needs and improve the system of care for children with disabilities. Our vision is for every child and youth with disabilities or delays to have the chance to thrive and feel like they belong in our community. We strive to create a more inclusive and supportive community for all families.

In 2009, our community came together to address the challenges faced by families with children who have. Families, service providers, and organizational leaders identified key solutions. Central to their work was the need for families to know what services were available, how to access them, and what to expect. Families wanted a place to ask questions, share their unique situations, and get information about wait lists, evaluations, and therapies. They also needed help finding providers who accepted their insurance and with filling out forms for services like DDA or SSI. Many families felt overwhelmed and alone.

Created in 2012, Single-Entry Access to Services (SEAS) is a program for families by families to address these needs. SEAS provides resource navigation for families with children with disabilities and delays. 

Additionally, a mid-level developmental evaluation program was started. The General Interdisciplinary Developmental Evaluation System (GIDES) offers more accessible and comprehensive assessments to help families understand and meet their children's needs.

Whatcom Taking Action continues to collaborate with families, service providers, and community leaders to improve the system of care and support for children with disabilities.

Parents and Caregivers

Every family's journey is unique, but many find that raising a child with a disability can be both challenging and rewarding. It will shape and change your family in profound ways. Often, services are not set up with disability and accessibility in mind, making it daunting and challenging for some to find support. 

SEAS is here to help you navigate the complex landscape of resources for children with disabilities and delays. They are committed to helping you find resources tailored to your needs. 

Families often express the importance of connections and feeling supported while caring for their children. From in-person parent groups to an online community, connection can come in many forms.

Here are some resources to help you connect and find supportive communities:

Families are the strongest advocates for improving the system. You know what is and is not working, and you are a powerful voice for all children. By advocating for resources and policies, you help create a society that supports all families. We also know it takes all of us working together. Reach out, lift up others, and share your love.

To request specific trainings or support or get more involved, please email [email protected].

Providers and Other Professionals

Healthcare providers and other professionals play a vital role in supporting children with disabilities through specialized care, guidance, and connections to essential services. They play key roles at different stages of a child's growth and help address specific needs.

Primary care and educational providers play a crucial role in connecting children and families to resources and support from birth to adulthood. Parents trust these providers to share information, address challenges, and promote preventive services. They rely on these providers to connect them to services and emphasize the importance of intervention when necessary. Bear in mind that up to 25% of parents may not voice their initial concerns, even if their child is experiencing developmental delays.

Therapists and community providers are also important partners in family’s journey. Therapists offer specialized interventions to support a child's developmental milestones and well-being. Community providers provide a wide range of services that can include opportunities for socializing, building skills and having fun.

All providers contribute to facilitating connections between different services. We know that accessing services is challenging. If you are a provider with a wait list, connect wait list families to connect to services and support by sharing local resources or directing them to SEAS. SEAS can help families find community services.  

Local Resources for Professionals: 

To request specific training or support or get more involved, please email [email protected].

Share and Connect

A collective approach is necessary to better meet the needs of children with disabilities.  This approach involves sharing and inspiring ideas, and connecting people, stories, and data. We want to hear from parents, community members, and organizations who provide services. If you want to share your story, provide recommendations, or advocate, please email [email protected].

Check out this local family’s story of accessing services in Whatcom County.