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Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN)

CYSHCN are children who have or are at increased risk for chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions. They also require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally.i

According to our National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) (PDF), in our country:

  • About 14 million children under 18 years old (19%) have a special healthcare need
  • 25% of homes had one or more children with a special healthcare need
  • CYSHCN are more likely to live in poverty, be non-Hispanic Black, and have public insurance than non-CYSHCN

Our Approach to CYSHCN

Our bureau’s strategic plan elevates access, equity, capacity, and impact for our Maternal and Child Health (MCH) populations. We support CYSHCN and their families during each stage of life, from infancy through adulthood. With our committed partners, our programs promote these six indicators of a coordinated, comprehensive, family-centered systems of services where:

  • Children and youth are screened early and continuously
  • CYSHCN receive a medical home model of care that is patient-centered, coordinated, comprehensive, and ongoing
  • Community-based services are organized so families can use them easily
  • CYSHCN receive services necessary to make transitions to adult life, including healthcare
  • Families have adequate insurance and funding to pay for services they need
  • Families of CYSHCN are partners in decision-making at all levels of care, from direct care to the organizations that serve them.

In addition, our programs support strengthening the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) workforce including:

  • Training and support for Title V MCH professionals, students, health professionals, paraprofessionals, family leaders, and advocates.

Our Investments

We strengthen the capacity of state public health agencies, healthcare providers, and organizations that serve CYSHCN.

Investments to improve systems of services

Investments to improve genetic and newborn screening services

Investments for specific conditions

Investments in Technical Assistance (TA) Resource Centers

Gathering Data and Tracking Progress

We gather program data and national data to track progress. We evaluate the impact of our investments. We gather data through:


McPherson et al (1998) Pediatrics 102/1.

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