Specialized Information and Referral

The agency administers state health services for children, from birth to age 21, who have special heath care needs and disabilities in Los Angeles County. The agency establishes program eligibility, authorizes treatment, and provides funding for diagnostic and treatment services for children and young adults from birth to age 21 who have disabling illness or injuries, are California residents, and whose families are unable to provide for such services. Services include medical bill assistance for youth with special health care needs and specialized information and referral for medical services related to neurological and physical disabilities. There are income, residence and age restrictions for the programs.

The agency administers four state programs within the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health: California Children's Services (CCS), Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP), Medical Therapy Program (MTP), and the Health Care for Children in Foster Care (HCPFCFC) programs. Services are provided by a network of medical professionals at clinics and hospitals throughout Los Angeles County.

California Children's Services (CCS) is a statewide program that assists children and youth ages birth to 21 with serious medical conditions that require specialized diagnostic and treatment, medical case management, or rehabilitative therapy services. Eligible conditions include but are not limited to chronic medical conditions, traumatic injuries and severe infectious diseases. Eligibility includes medical, residency and financial criteria.

The Child Health and Disability Prevention (CHDP) program is a state and federally funded health program that provides and promotes preventive health services for the early detection and prevention of disease and disabilities for low income children and youth through periodic examination by health care providers. See the separate entry, L A County Public Health - Child Health and Disability Prevention Program for details and eligibility details.

The Medical Therapy Program (MTP) provides medically necessary physical and occupational therapy for eligible children and young adults with disabilities, age 21 and younger. There is no financial eligibility requirement for this program.

The Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care (HCPCFC) is a public health nursing program located in county child welfare service agencies and probation department to provide public health nurse expertise in meeting the medical, dental, mental and developmental needs of children and youth in foster care.