Introduction
4. Why Is a System of Care Important for CSHCN?
A fundamental goal for serving children with special health care needs is to create an accessible, community-based system of care. In fact, the overall purpose of state CSHCN programs is to ensure that children are served in family-centered, community-based service systems. The six core outcomes for children and families represent essential components of this system of care, and attainment of these core measures requires that key stakeholders join forces to ensure coordinated, comprehensive care. Partnerships among these groups also play a valuable role in increasing state capacity to measure and monitor outcome achievements.
Two objectives from the Healthy People 2010 Plan publications served as the impetus for the M&M Project.
- 16.22 Increase the proportion of children with special health care needs who have access to a medical home.
- 16.23 Increase the proportion of Territories and States that have service systems for children with special health care needs.
The M&M Project embraces the goals of Healthy People 2010 as an unparalleled opportunity to move beyond development and demonstration to full implementation of a system of care for all children with special health care needs and their families. Through active collaboration among Family Voices, the March of Dimes, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and numerous other organizations and individuals, HRSA's Maternal and Child Health Bureau has created a 10-Year Action Plan that offers concrete, practical steps toward accomplishing the Healthy People 2010 objective of community-based systems of services for all children with special health care needs in all States.