5201.0: Wednesday, November 15, 2000 - 2:50 PM

Abstract #18099

Public Health and the Transition of Youth with Special Needs: An Opportunity for Action

John Reiss, PhD, Institute for Child Health Policy, University of Florida, 5700 SW 34th street, suite 323, Gainsville, FL 32608-5367, 352-392-5904, jgr@ichp.edu

Under the Social Security Act the Federal/State Title V CSHCN Program has responsibility to facilitate the development of family-centered, community-based systems of services for children with special health care needs and their families; and to provide rehabilitation services for SSI beneficiaries under age 16. This presentation will describe two initiatives of the Federal Maternal and Child Health Bureau designed to develop systems for youth and promote their successful transition to adult health care, work and independence. First is the Healthy and Ready to Work (HRTW) Initiative. Through the HRTW initiative, MCHB has funded eight community-based project to a) identify and address the comprehensive needs of youth and their families; b) create partnerships with business and other community organizations to promote wellness and enhance employment opportunities; c) empower youth to become more proactive in accessing quality, age appropriate care; and d) provide training on youth transition to professionals, organizations and the public.

The second is MCHB/DSCSHN's Healthy People 2010 Transition Workgroup. This Workgroup developed a draft ten-year plan for ensuring that all youth with special health care needs receive the services they need to make necessary transitions to all aspects of adult life, including adult health care, work and independence. The five components of this plan address systems development, youth participation in decision making, adequate health insurance, access to a medical home, and the organization, financing and delivery of health, education, vocational and independent living services and related supports. Session participants will gain a better understanding of the HRTW/Transition activities of MCHB.

Learning Objectives: na

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Healthy People 2010 Goals for Transition of Adolescents with Special Health Needs
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.

The 128th Annual Meeting of APHA