Welcome to Children's Special Health Services (CSHS)

 

Children’s Special Health Services (CSHS) works to ensure that Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) in Louisiana have access to services that are designed to minimize their disabilities and maximize their ability to live as independently as possible.

Children and youth who have special health care needs either have or are at increased risk for chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions. They require services beyond what other children require. According to parent reporting via the National Survey of Children's Health, around 1 in 4 children in Louisiana have special health care needs. CSHS strives to support all children and youth with special health care needs and their families through direct service clinics, provider support, and community outreach.

Who do we serve?

In our direct service clinics, CSHS serves Louisiana residents under the age of 21 who are diagnosed or suspected to have certain chronic physical illnesses or serious disabilities. These illnesses and disabilities are likely to cause impairments that could significantly limit major life activities. Outside of the direct service clinics, CSHS connects caregivers and families to relevant resources, collaborates with health and social service providers to improve service provision and care coordination, and works to build up systems of support for children and youth with special healthcare needs.

 

Learn More

About Us
Learn more about what we do, how we're funded, and how to contact us. 

 

For Healthcare Professionals
Find information on developmental screening, care coordination, youth health transition, and information in regard to the complex resource system for patient support and services.

For Families and Caregivers
Find out if your child is eligible to receive services and how you can apply. Learn more about care coordination, youth health transition, and support services.

Family Resource Center
Staff can help families and providers connect to resources and services in their community and across the state based on a child’s specific needs.

 

Partners For Family Health Data Center
View our fact sheets and data reports. You can also gain access to our data request form here.

 

Our Partners
Learn more about other programs within the Bureau of Family Health.