Lecture 5+ Children with special needs

Question 1

Children with special health care needs (CSHCH) are defined by the federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau. What are the key components to this definition?

Answer 1

The Maternal and Child Health Bureau (CSHCH) defines children with special health care needs as “children who have or are at increased risk for a chronic physical, behavioral, developmental, or emotional condition and who also require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children in general”.

Question 2

Why is it important to have a definition for “children with special needs”?

Answer 2

Reaching a definition can facilitate planning of comprehensive, family-centered, community-based services for this population.