CDSS Programs Caregiver Advocacy Network Health Passport

Health/Education Summary

As soon as possible, but not later than 30 days after initial placement of a child into foster care, the child protective agency shall provide the caretaker with the child's current health and education summary.

For each subsequent placement, the child protective agency shall provide the caretaker with a current summary within 48 hours of the placement .

When a child is placed in foster care, the case plan for each child shall include a summary of the health and education information or records, including mental health information or records, of the child. The health and education summary shall include, but not be limited to:

  • the names and addresses of the child's health, dental, and education providers,
  • the child's grade level performance, the child's school record, assurances that the child's placement in foster care takes into account proximity to the school in which the child is enrolled at the time of placement,
  • a record of the child's immunizations and allergies,
  • the child's known medical problems,
  • the child's current medications, past health problems and hospitalizations,
  • a record of the child's relevant mental health history,the child's known mental health condition and medications,
  • and any other relevant mental health, dental, health, and education information concerning the child determined to be appropriate.

Caregivers are required to obtain a medical appointment for their foster children within the first month of receiving the children into their homes . It would therefore be in both the children's and the caregivers' best interests to be provided with any available medical information, medications and instructions for use, and identifying information about the children upon receiving the children into their homes. (Reference Welfare and Institution Code Section 16010, 16010.4, and 358.1)

Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid health care program. This program pays for a variety of medical services for children in foster care and may also be available to relative caregivers of foster children. Medi-Cal benefits are provided as part of the Foster Care, Kin-GAP and AAP programs. Medi-Cal pays for foster children’s medical, dental, counseling, and other health-related expenses.

California Department of Health Care Services

Intensive Treatment Foster Care (ITFC)

  • Intensive Treatment Foster Care (ITFC)  – ITFC is an alternative to higher level group home care. ITFC does this by placing only one foster child in a specialized foster home where the child has an individualized treatment program and the foster parents are carefully matched to each child and are specially trained and supported.

Denti-Cal

Denti-Cal - Dental Services are currently provided as one of the many benefits under the Medi-Cal program. This site provides access to Medi-Cal Dental Program provider bulletins, manuals, regulations and various forms. Also, a variety of important and timely information can be found throughout this site including: Beneficiary Services, Medi-Cal Eligibility, Publications, Provider Services, Outreach Services, Fraud and Abuse and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.

You will also find answers to the most commonly asked questions. Provider and Beneficiary Telephone Service Center toll-free phone numbers are listed for both Beneficiaries and Providers in their respective sections, including TTY for the hearing impaired.

  • To contact the Denti-Cal program, call the Denti-Cal Beneficiary Toll Free Telephone Service 1-800-322-6384 or visit the Denti-Cal program website.

CHDP/EPSDT

Child Health and Disability Prevention Program (CHDP) is a preventive program that delivers periodic health assessments and services to low income children and youth in California. CHDP provides care coordination to assist families with medical appointment scheduling, transportation, and access to diagnostic and treatment services. Health assessments are provided by enrolled private physicians, local health departments, community clinics, managed care plans, and some local school districts.

All Medi-Cal recipients from birth to age 21 are eligible for CHDP scheduled periodic health assessments and services based on the federally mandated Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis, and Treatment (EPSDT) Program .

Child Health and Disability Prevention Program (CHDP) Information Brochure  – "Free Medical and Dental Check-Ups" (PUB 183)

Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care (HCPCFC) – Local CHDP programs also administer a public health nursing program for children in foster care. HCPCFC is a public health nursing program located in county child welfare service agencies and probation departments to provide public health nurse expertise in meeting the medical, dental, mental and developmental needs of children and youth in foster care.

  • California Foster Care Public Health Nurse Directory
  • HCPCFC Resource Guide  – Public Health Nurse resource guide for care of foster children in out-of-home placement.

The Alliance for Children’s Rights – Health Care Program – assists foster children and former foster youth in need of medical coverage and services.

  • Are you having trouble obtaining medical insurance for your foster child?
  • Are you a former foster youth between 18 and 21 years old who has lost your Medi-Cal coverage?
  • Has Medi-Cal denied a needed medical service for your foster child?
  • If so, call the intake line to get started: (213) 368-6010

Mental Health

Mental Health  –  If you have concerns regarding your foster child’s mental health, it is best to speak to your foster child’s social worker and your foster child’s primary care doctor first. They may refer you to a specialist, such as a developmental-behavioral pediatrician, psychologist, psychiatrist, pediatric neurologist, or speech therapist or occupational therapist. However,it is important to have a medical evaluation first to rule out other causes of your foster child's behavior.

Regional Centers  –  Foster children with developmental disabilities may be qualified to receive services through a local Regional Center.

Resources

Placer County Children's System of Care – To meet the special needs of children who may be at risk, and their families, Placer County has organized an integrated team offering comprehensive services, including staff from Children's Mental Health, Child Welfare, Probation, Education, Substance Abuse Services, Public Health. Eligibility for Placer Children's Mental Health services includes full scope Medi-Cal beneficiaries, Healthy Families beneficiaries, and EPSDT and CMSP beneficiaries with low or no share of cost. Those who do not meet these eligibility criteria are assessed on an individual basis regarding their need for services.

Kern County’s Children’s Mental Health System of Care – Kern County has a network of community-based mental health services so children and families can more easily reach professionals to help them with mental health and substance abuse problems. Children and adolescents who are seriously emotionally disturbed and have or are eligible for Medi-Cal or Healthy Families Insurance coverage are eligible for county mental health services. Kern County children's mental health services are provided right the your community at schools, clinics and homes

Contact Us

Office of the Foster Care Ombudsman
Toll-free telephone: 1-877-846-1602
E-mail: fosterfamilyhelp@dss.ca.gov