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CHILD HEALTH AND DISABILITY PREVENTION PROGRAM (CHDP)
Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care (HCPCFC)
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BACKGROUND |
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Child welfare agencies and local health departments have long recognized
that Public Health Nurses (PHN) are uniquely positioned to develop and implement
the recommendations for improving the health care of children in foster care
outlined by the Welfare League of America and the American Academy of Pediatrics.
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STATISTICS |
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There are approximately 37,800 children that are under the
supervision of the Department of Children and Family Services
(DCFS) in Los Angeles County.
Approximately 2,000 of these children are also under the supervision of the Probation
Department.
The PHNs are co-located with Children's Social Workers (CSW)
at 19 DCFS sites and two probation sites throughout Los Angeles County.
There are approximately 79 CHDP/HCPCFC PHNs in this program. Three nurses
are consultants for Probation officers and 69 nurses are consultants
for the CSW. This also includes six nurse supervisors and one nurse manager.
In addition, DCFS has approximately 45 PHNs, including 40 nurse consultants
for the CSW, five nurse supervisors and one nurse manager.
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Public Health Nurse Scope of Work
Public Health Nurses assist the CSW and Probation Officers by:
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Providing nursing expertise in the assessment of the health records of
children in foster care and probation. PHNs identify and prioritize
the follow-up on health services to include: medical, dental, mental
and developmental health needs.
Assisting with the coordination of health services by making referrals
to the appropriate community agencies such as: CHDP providers, dental
providers, Regional Center, mental health services, California Children
Services, specialty providers, nutritional counseling, Failure to Thrive
Clinics and other community resources. These services are also provided
for children that are placed "out of county" and "out of state".
Participating in team conferences or multidisciplinary
teams to review the child's health needs and treatment plans.
Participating with CSW on home, office, school or hospital visit to collect
and evaluate health information in order to make appropriate recommendations
and referrals.
Updating the child's Health and Education Passport (computerized medical record)
with verified health information to promote continuity of care.
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Department of Public Health - Drop-Down List
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1-800-288-4584
1-800-924-1154