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Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs
Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN)
The Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program seeks to improve the system of care for children and youth with special health care needs from birth and up to 21 years of age and their families. The Program helps to shape public policy so families can get the best health care for their children. Please contact Jenny Hull at 607-753-5120 for more information or if you are interested in the program or fill out the referral form linked above.
Children served by the CYSHCN Program have an illness or condition for which they need extra health care and support services. These children might have a serious or long-lasting:
- Physical condition,
- Intellectual or developmental disability, and/or
- Behavioral or emotional condition.
The CYSHCN program provides support for children and families of children who are experiencing physical health conditions such as: allergies, asthma, arthritis/joint problems, blood disorders, sickle cell anemia, diabetes, cystic fibrosis, head injuries, heart problems, epilepsy, hearing problems, etc.
If your child experiences any of these conditions, or any physical condition not listed above, please reach out to us for support.
If you need direct medical care for a physical condition, please contact one of our partner organizations:
Family Health Network - Provides families with affordable health care and access to health insurance
Seven Valleys Health Coalition - Helps families connect with resources to live healthy lives
The CYSHCN program provides support for children and families of children who are experiencing developmental or intellectual disabilities such as: autism or autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, developmental delay, down syndrome, genetic or inherited conditions, intellectual disabilities, learning difficulty, muscular dystrophy, speech or language disorder, etc.
If your child experiences any of these disabilities, or any developmental or intellectual concern not listed above, please reach out to us for support.
If you need employment or independence support for a child with a developmental or intellectual disability, please contact one of our partner organizations:
Access to Independence - Services and training for people with disabilities to transition to independent living
JM Murray Employment Connection - Provides assistance to people of all abilities towards maintaining employment
The CYSHCN program provides support for children and families of children who are experiencing behavioral or emotional conditions such as: ADD or ADHD, anxiety, depression, conduct disorders, OCD, self-harm, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, or any other mental health condition.
If your child experiences any of these conditions, or any emotional or behavioral condition not listed above, please reach out to us for support.
If you need direct mental health interventions, please contact one of our partner organizations:
Family & Children's Counseling Services - Provides counseling services for all ages
YWCA Bridges for Kids - Provides adult mentors for youth ages 5-12
General Resources
Hello Cortland – website providing information on family-friendly activities and parent education.
Cortland Transit – daily routes to help families and youth navigate the area.
Cortland Works Career Center – provides training, education and employment services to job seekers.
Cortland Youth Bureau Youth Center – provides safe and comfortable environment for teens ages 11-18.
211 Cortland - List and map of local food pantries.
Conditions Not Listed
If your child's condition is not listed on this page, we are still able to provide support. You can reference the NYS Health Conditions Guide to find out more information on conditions covered by the program, but support is not limited to these conditions. We encourage parents or caregivers with ANY health concerns or unmet needs for their child to get in contact with the program.
Contact Information
Phone: 607-753-5120
Fax: 607-261-1281
Hours
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Fees
There is no cost to families.
Healthcare & Your Child/Youth with Special Needs
- Learn how to Partner with Your Child's Provider (PDF).
- Find out how to Partner with Your Child's Health Plan (PDF).
- Learn how to have a healthy transition moving from pediatric to adult health care on the Healthy Transitions New York website.
- For pregnant mothers or mothers of infants under 2 months of age, please visit CAPCO Healthy Family Program.
- Qualifying children and youth up to age 21 may benefit from the Health Homes Serving Children program (HHSC).
Education & Your Child / Youth with Special Needs
- Learn how to Get Help at School for Your Child with a Disability (PDF).
- Find tips for a successful IEP meeting.
- Check out Parent to Parent NYS Website
- For families who qualify, Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) can provide case management, respite, home modifications, and additional resources. Visit the OPWDD website.
College/Employment Transition Services for Youth
Visit the New York State Education website for more information about college or employment transition for Youth.
New York State Department of Health Resources
Find more information about the Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs program on the New York State Department of Health website.