Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs A Mohave County Community Assessment.

Children and Youth with Special Health Care NeedsA Mohave County Community Assessment

Prevalence of CYSHCN

www.mohavecounty.us www.snacmc.org

Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN):

• Children up to age 21• Chronic physical,

developmental, behavioral, or emotional disability

• Requires services beyond that required by children generally

241,067 CYSHCN in Arizona


What we Know…

• Limited access to care• Insurance coverage• Geographic barriers & transportation


Special Education

Section 504

Individualized Education

Program (IEP)

Arizona Child Find Program

Individuals with Disabilities Education

Act (IDEA)

Little is known about

the experiences

of CYSHCN in Mohave County


CYSHCN Needs Assessment

Why?

• To identify health care experiences and needs

How?

• 4 surveys:• School staff (n=147), • Providers (n=71) • Parents/caregivers of CYSHCN

(n=116)• Youth with special health care

needs (n=49)

• 8 key informant interviews with parents/caregivers.

• Parent/Caregiver group feedback


School Staff & Providers

64% = general education teachers

23% = special education teachers

12% = administrators, nurses, and paraprofessionals/support staff

Average time on job for

providers was 12.6 years


Youth & Parents/Caregivers

Cognitive Developmental Behavioral/Emotional Physical

70% of parents/caregivers said their CYSHCN had a developmental or genetic diagnosis

Mental retardationMemory loss

ADHDAutism Spectrum Disorders

DepressionAnxiety

Hearing, speech impediments

Half the youth said their disability does not impair their functioning. Those who said they were limited, reported :

• Learning difficulties• Physical challenges (e.g. driving)• Difficulties controlling behavior


Type of insurance coverage as reported by parents/caregivers

Most parents/caregivers surveyed receive public health insurance for their CYSHCN.

No Insurance Coverage

Private Insurance

Public Insurance

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

5

45

77

Number of Parents/Caregivers


Most requested services by parents/caregivers:

1.Dental

2.Speech

3.Occupational Therapy

4.Counseling


Somewhat Satisfied to Very Satisfied with Health Care Services Received

3 out of 4 Youth

4 out of 5 Parents/Caregivers

1 out of 5 Providers

Dissatisfied to Very Dissatisfied with School-Related Services


Parents/Caregivers(50%)

School Staff

(92%)

IEP process can be improved

IEP process can be improved


Perception of Self Perception of Others

Not Adequately Trained

Adequately Trained

Not Adequately Trained

Adequately Trained

Scho

ol S

taff

Prov

ider

s

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

66

82

20

46

Number of Respondents

Staff Not Adequately Trained

Staff Adequately Trained

Staff Not Adequately Trained

Staff Adequately Trained

Scho

ol S

taff

Prov

ider

s

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90

81

61

22

39

Number of Respondents

A higher percent of school staff (44%, n=66) felt inadequately prepared/trained and perceived their co-workers to be inadequately trained (55%, n=81) to work with CYSHCN.


Most Common Barriers to Accessing Health Care

1. Services not available (57%)

2. Cost (41%)

3. Health care plan limitations (37%)

As reported by Parents/Caregivers


Most Reported Barriers to Providing Quality Educational Services

1. Cost is a limiting factor (54%)

2. Lack of resources (52%)

3. Specialty schools unavailable (45%)

As reported by school staff

Open-Ended Responses

Access to Services

School Environment

Training and

Education

Challenges

Access to Services • Service providers

• Specialty services• Family support programs• Socialization and physical activity• Health care coverage

Challenges

School Environment

• Special education and related services• Difficulties qualifying for services• IEP complexities• Accountability• Individualized Education Programs

Challenges

School Environment

(continued)• Communication (CYSHCN Advocate)• Resources and funding• Additional school services• Employment and transitional programs

Challenges

• Coordination & awareness of resources

• Community awareness & engagement

• Parent/caregiver education

• Educator & provider training

Respite & DaycareSpeech Therapists

Behavioral TherapistOccupational Therapists

Physical TherapistsSign Language InterpretersDevelopmental Pediatrician

Education and Training


Additional Challenges in Schools

Wheelchair accommodations

Accessible doors and hallways

Handicap-friendly playgrounds


Recommendations:

1. Needs Assessments

2. Coordination and Awareness of Resources

3. Access to Care

4. Special Education & Related Services


Next Steps

Share with the community and providers

Highlight Community Assessment during fall public forum and press releases

Guide future efforts of SNAC’s strategic plan


Questions?

Office: 480-621-6895

www.saguaroevaluation.com

[email protected]


Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs A Mohave County Community Assessment.

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