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Children's Medical Services - Special services for children with special needs
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Social Services Program

Caring for a child with special health care needs can be very challenging. Children and families that live with these daily challenges often have concerns in addition to the health needs of the child.

The Social Services Program within Children's Medical Services (CMS) offers services to children and families to help them with these non-medical needs. The CMS social worker can help with social, emotional, behavioral, financial, transportation, and housing needs. CMS Social Services wants to empower your family so that your family can continue to function well while caring for your child with special needs.

Following a referral to the Social Services Program, many services may be offered to children and their families in CMS. These services include:

  • Assessment: The social worker meets with the family to discuss their current situation so that the family's current needs can be identified. The social worker continues to assess the family's situation to make sure that their needs are being met.
  • Care Planning: Once the family's needs are identified, the social workers helps the family set goals and develop action steps that will help them reach their goals.
  • Consultation: The social worker provides the family with useful information so they can make informed choices and learn more about available services.
  • Supportive Counseling: While working with the family, the social worker listens to concerns, provides support, and offers guidance.
  • Referral to Community Resources: The social worker can also link the family to organizations with in the community that may be available to help.
  • Home and Community Visitation: The social worker may visit the family at their home or in the community to provide the best possible assistance.

The Social Services Program provides follow-up to ensure that the children and families received the necessary services that were needed.

Eligibility

All CMS enrolled children and their families are eligible to receive services from the Social Services Program. You may simply ask your CMS nurse care coordinator for a referral to the social services program or you may choose to self-refer by calling the CMS area office social worker.

Contact Information

For additional program information, contact a Social Services Program Consultant at Children's Medical Services Network Operations (850-245-4200) or contact your local CMS Area Office.

Resources