FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Who are Children with Special Health Care Needs (CSHCN)?
Children with special health care needs are those who have or are at an increased risk for a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition and who also require health and related services in an amount beyond that required by children generally. -Maternal and Child Health Bureau.
Approximately 12-13% of children have significant chronic conditions, and they consume 60% of the health care resources spent on children. Examples of chronic conditions include asthma, cancer, autism, cerebral palsy, depression and complications of prematurity. Care for these children requires coordination between primary and specialty health care systems, schools, child care, early intervention programs, and community services.

What services does the Center provide?
The Center focuses on improving care for children with special health care needs by providing information to families and health care professionals. The Center does not provide direct care or coordinate care for children with special needs.

How is the Center funded?
Funding is obtained through government contracts and grants, private foundation grants, endowments and Children's Hospital & Regional Medical Center.

What is the policy for copying or reproducing the Center’s resource materials?
Children’s often makes its education materials available to non-commercial and/or non-profit organizations for the purpose of widespread distribution. The Center for Children with Special Needs and Children’s Hospital & Regional Medical Center require that proper credit for the work be given, and a license agreement be signed. Contact Patty Centioli at patty.centioli@seattlechildrens.org for more information.