NCJ Number
200968
Date Published
2003
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This chapter explains the objectives, features, and operational procedures for a foster care health program.
Abstract
The purpose of a foster care health program is to address the medical, developmental, mental health, and dental needs of abused and neglected children and adolescents placed in foster care. The components of a comprehensive foster care health program are initial health screening to identify acute problems; a comprehensive health assessment within 30 days of placement to identify acute and chronic medical problems; a developmental, mental health, and educational screening and assessment between 30 and 60 days of placement; routine health care and periodic reassessment of health, development, and mental health status; quality improvement program; and medical case management and home visiting by public health nurses. The agencies that should collaborate in the foster care health program are the county child health and disability prevention program; county child protective services; county mental health; and a hospital, clinic, or physician group. In presenting the operational procedures for California programs, the chapter discusses the obtaining of past medical history; the enrolling of children in fee-for-service full scope Medi-Cal; the scheduling of children for medical examinations; the referring of children with health, developmental, and behavioral problems to subspecialty clinics; and the documentation of health care needs. The professional expertise of program staff are also indicated. A case vignette with follow-up questions is provided. 7 references and 1 resource