This presentation will discuss the collaborative efforts between Public Health Nursing in a local health department and the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS). The Public Health Nurses work in teams directly with the foster children's social workers in the one of the largest child protective systems in the nation where there currently are approximately 70,000 children in placement. Because a majority of these children suffer from the effects of abuse and neglect, this vulnerable population has unique health conditions that require frequent evaluation while they remain in the system. The primary role of the PHN in the DCFS system is to assist these children and foster families in obtaining needed health care services in a timely and comprehensive manner by collaborating with the social workers, area pediatric providers, local resources, and the foster families themselves. The PHN effectively uses the skills of assessment, resource identification, and advocacy to enhance support for the children. The PHN carefully assesses the children and existing documents to identify any special health needs during various critical periods in the children's development. Recommendations for referrals are then provided when appropriate. Some of the barriers that the PHN experiences while advocating on behalf of the children with other agencies and special interest groups in the foster care community are facilitating communication between all involved while maintaining confidentiality.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant will be able to: 1. Discuss the role of the Public Health Nurse in the foster care system. 2. List three skills utilized by the Public Health Nurse to facilitate care of the foster child. 3. Identify and describe the existing system barriers.
Keywords: Children's Health, Public Health Nursing
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.