In 1999 the Bureau of Public Health Nursing of the Suffolk County Department of Health Services in collaboration with the Department of Social Services’ (DSS) Foster Care Division initiated the Foster Care Project which involves Public Health Nurses making at least two home visits a year to foster children who are under the supervision of DSS. The purpose of the visits is to assess the child’s physical and developmental status, determine if preventive health practices are taking place and if not, educating the foster parent as to their need and making referrals to appropriate resources. The foster parent’s knowledge regarding the health needs of children including, but not limited to nutrition, immunization, dental care, and specific care for any chronic condition the child might have is evaluated and education provided accordingly. The parent’s ability to recognize signs of illness and take appropriate action is also assessed and instructions regarding this are provided. Developmental milestones and age appropriate anticipatory guidance is also provided. The child’s primary care provider is contacted when necessary and if the child does not have a medical home, arrangements are made for this.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session the participant will be able to: (1) Identify the processes involved in setting up a collaborative project for children in foster care; (2) Understand the health areas needing assessment and intervention in this population; (3) Utilize a model referral process between Public Health Nursing and the Department of Social Services Foster Care services
Keywords: Health Needs, Child/Adolescent
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.