The latest issue of the Champions for Inclusive Communities Newsletter highlights the results of the 2005/2006 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN). The National Survey provides information about CSHCN in all 50 States and the District of Columbia, focusing on the six core outcomes identified by the Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB) and its partners that promote a community-based system of services mandated for all children with special health care needs.
These outcomes provide a concrete way to measure the progress in making family-centered care a reality. The six outcomes are:
1. Families of CSHCN are partners in decision-making and satisfied with services.
2. CSHCN have a medical home.
3. CSHCN have adequate public or private insurance.
4. CSHCN are screened early and continuously for special health care needs.
5. Community-based service systems are organized for ease of use.
6. CSHCN youth receive services needed for transition to adulthood.
ChampionsInC staff is especially concerned about Outcome 5, Organizing services for families of children and youth with special health care needs so they are easily accessible. Based on the 2005/2006 National Survey of CSHCN, Outcome 5 was successfully achieved for 89.1% of families. But, what does that really mean?
ChampionsInC has recently published a fact sheet that helps readers to gain a better understanding of the issues families face when seeking needed services. This fact sheet draws data from the National Survey and is easily adapted to specific state results. It helps readers understand the important factors that pertain to 1) the ability of families to access all needed services, 2) reasons why services were not received, 3) how well services are coordinated and who coordinates them, and 4) the impact on the family as they strive to get their needs met.
To view and/or download the entire fact sheet entitled Drilling Down to Understand Outcome 5: Services Organized so Families Can Use Them Easily, go to the ChampionsInC website.
