Investments in early identification and specialty health services have benefits for children, families and society as a whole. For children early identification and treatment may be the difference between dependence and independence, successful completion of school and the ability to be a contributing adult. Caring for a child with a disability can deplete a family's income, place their family at risk for other problems such as housing, food and greater dependence on government for support. Children's Medical Services in Florida has leveraged private, state and federal dollars to improve health care for children with special health care needs. This strategy benefits all families by lowering the cost of insurance premiums, since many high cost patients are covered through a public health insurance benefit. Recent studies on the important role families play in providing services has led to the conclusion that investing in family support services has cost benefits and important benefits for children.(10) In earlier times, many children were warehoused or hidden from view, often abused, their conditions untreated. All of us as a human family gain in the joy of seeing each child reach his or her potential. Some children will always need some form of support, and are at greater risk, but caring for children and adults with special health care needs is an important role for government, communities and all of us.

Though illness and disability exist in every strata and community, the conditions of poverty, a lack of insurance, or rural location place a family with a child with a disability and chronic condition at greater risk. Poor families of minority populations are underserved and are therefore at greater risk when they have chronic conditions. ^{(11, 12)}  . Children with special health care needs are also at greater risk for child abuse or neglect as compared to the general population. ^{(13, 14)}