Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs are children birth to age 21 who have or are at risk for a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition AND also require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally.
Maine CDC's Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program plays a crucial role in supporting families and children. The program provides resources and guidance to ensure CYSHCN receive the services they require for optimal health, development, wellbeing, and overall quality of life.
The program envisions a state where all children and youth:
- Experience a fulfilling life from childhood into adulthood.
- Receive support for their physical, emotional, and social health and wellbeing.
- Are treated with dignity and enjoy autonomy and independence.
- Actively participate in their communities.
- Engage in systems that view families as partners in care, supporting shared decision-making.
This program provides essential support to ensure children and youth with special health care needs get appropriate care and thrive in environments that promote their independence, participation, and dignity. The program seeks to create strong, sustainable systems that empower families and communities to be active partners in the care process.
Health Care Coordination
Care Coordination is designed to support families and health care providers in ensuring children and youth with special health needs receive the appropriate care and services to achieve optimal health, development, and quality of life.
If you need assistance, we encourage you to fill out the General Contact Request Form, call 1-207-287-5357 or email MCH.CDC@maine.gov. After submitting the form, a member of our team will reach out to you within two business days to discuss your child's special health care needs and offer support in navigating services.
This great resource for families and providers offers education on topics related to health care, advocacy, and service coordination for children with special health needs.
Contact us to learn more about Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN)
Maine CDC, Maternal and Child Health Program
Email: MCH.CDC@maine.gov
Phone: 207-287-5357
TTY: Maine relay 711
Fax: (207) 287-5355