45171. Medically Fragile Children

Applies To:  This policy applies to caseworkers. 

Policy Number & Title: 45171. Medically Fragile Children 

Effective Date:  December 1, 2011

Purpose

Children or youth in out-of-home care who meet the definition of medically fragile will be identified. Develop plans with caregivers of medically fragile children or youth to identify necessary supports to meet the day-to-day needs of the child or youth (including respite and emergency situations).

Policy 

  1. Children or youth who meet the following criteria are identified as medically fragile:
    1. Child or youth has medical conditions that require the availability of 24-hour skilled care from a health care professional or specially trained family or foster family member.
    2. These conditions may be present all the time or frequently occurring.
    3. If the technology, support, and services provided to a medically fragile child or youth are interrupted or denied, the child or youth may, without immediate health care intervention, experience death.
  2. When there is an indication that a child or youth is medically fragile, refer the child or youth to the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) Aging and Long-Term Support Administration (ADSA) Fostering Well-Being Care Coordination Unit for consultation and determination of the child's or youth’s need for services.
  3. All children or youth identified as medically fragile and in out-of-home care must have an identified Primary Health Care Provider.
  4. Out-of-home caregivers must be provided a Caregiver Support Plan that addresses training and support needs related to caring for a medically fragile child or youth.
  5. All children or youth identified as medically fragile must be documented in the FamLink Special Needs page.

Forms 

Caregiver Support Plan DCYF 10-428 

Resources

Medically Fragile Children procedures (Located in the DCYF Policies & Rules Office SharePoint) 

Original Date:  December 1, 2011

Revised Date: 

Review Date:

Approved by: