Program for Children with Special Health Care Needs – Washington

"The Children with Special Health Care Needs Program serves children who have serious physical, behavioral or emotional conditions that require health and related services beyond those required by children generally. In Washington State, children who participate in this program must be under the age of 18 years at initial enrollment and have, or be at risk of developing a serious or chronic condition such as: diabetes, neuromuscular disorders, cancer, AIDS, sickle cell anemia, asthma, cystic fibrosis, hearing or visual impairments, cleft palate, kidney disease, ventilator dependency, or metabolic disease. Some children who are already part of the program may be able to continue services until the twenty-first birthday for purposes of transition to adult care.

The mission of the Washington State Children with Special Health Care Needs Program is to promote integrated systems of care that assure the population of children with special health care needs the opportunity to achieve the healthiest life possible and develop to their fullest potential."