OUR PROGRAM
Overview

The Special Kids Network System of Care, or SKN System of Care for short, is a statewide program that connects children and youth with special health care needs and their families with services that will enrich their lives. SKN System of Care has several components available under the tabs above:

• Statewide Initiatives
• Regional Coordination
• Service Coordination
• Information and Referral Helpline and Web Site
• Parent, Youth and Professional Forums (PYPF)
  • Regional meeting facilitation
  • Meeting participants

What is the SKN System of Care? SKN System of Care works within communities to improve local availability and delivery of services. Coordinators work with local community partners to coordinate and improve access to services within communities.

SKN System of Care works to remove the barriers and challenges families experience when trying to get needed services, such as:

• Differing eligibility criteria
• Gaps in services
• Limited access to services
• Non-existent services
• Lack of funding for local initiatives
• Waiting lists

Who does SKN System of Care serve?

• Children and youth from birth through age 21 with special health care needs and their families
• Professionals who work with children and youth with special health care needs and their families
• Communities

Who are children and youth with special health care needs?

Children and youth who are at increased risk for chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, and emotional conditions requiring services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally. For instance, Michael is 7 years old and has epilepsy and developmental delays. His parents were assisted with understanding the school services he is receiving.

What is the SKN System of Care Information and Referral Helpline?The SKN System of Care Information and Referral helpline is a free service of the Department of Health funded by the Federal Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant, through the Bureau of Family Health, Department of Health. The helpline provides:

• Access to SKN System of Care activities and events
• Referrals to health and social services for children and youth with special health care needs, and
• Information about recreation and leisure activities for individuals with disabilities.