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The Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program supports families of children with chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions who require a greater level or range of health and related services than typically needed by other children. The Program assists the family through information and referral to various community resources that are child and family specific. Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Programs across the state are required to identify gaps and barriers to care and develop activities related to these identified areas. Families in Niagara County are currently in the process of being trained to become energetic, enthusiastic, group leaders who are able to speak on behalf of children with special health care needs and their families such as:

1. Increasing parent involvement in various related activities, and:
2. Becoming involved in the various Niagara County's Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Programs, and:
3. Attendance and participate in County and State agency public meetings 

Outreach and public awareness activities are also required components of this program and the need to educate families and the public regarding Child Health Plus, Medicaid and other health insurers as they continue to grow. During interactions with families, staff ask about their medical insurance coverage and whether the child has an established medical provider.  If the family is uninsured or underinsured, assistance is given to them regarding Medicaid and Child Health Plus.  Encouragement is also given to parents to seek routine primary and preventative care, which will result in healthier children and those with special needs will receive high-quality, comprehensive, appropriate services.

Staff also support families by providing information and referrals to additional community resources, including assistance in locating essentials such as food, clothing, and toys. In addition, informational packets containing brochures, magnets, posters, and bookmarks on the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program, as well as other programs housed within this division and the Niagara County Health Department are available.

For referral to the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program, please contact (716) 278-8194 or (716) 278-8180.


Links to our other programs: