Health Care Needs

Level: Core (Tier 2), Advanced Practice – Lineworker, Supervisor

Credits: 3

Intended Audience: This statewide standardized subject matter is designed for new child welfare workers who are required to take this training within 24 months of being employed at a public child welfare agency (hired after July 1, 2008). Supervisors and current child welfare workers employed in public child welfare agencies are invited to update their knowledge and skills in health care needs as it applies to the field of child welfare in California.

Intended Objectives:

• Identify the common health care issues of children and youth involved in the child welfare system.
• Recognize and explain the role of care providers and foster care public health nurses in the care, treatment, advocacy, and follow-up of health care needs for children in their care.
• Verbalize an understanding of the purpose and duties involved in developing and maintaining the Health Passport.
• Recognize and value working in partnership with foster care PHN’s and other health care providers to promote well-being for children and youth involved in the child welfare system.

Topics Include:

• Scope of the health care challenge
• Disparity and vulnerability issues
• Common health conditions
• Importance of the medical history
• Introduction to CHDP and AAP schedules
• Documentation in the Health Passport
• Use of PHNs

CalSWEC Competencies Addressed:

1.4 The student understands the influence and value of traditional, culturally-based childrearing practices and uses this knowledge in working with families.

1.5 The student demonstrates the ability to collaborate with individuals, groups, community-based organizations, and government agencies to advocate for equitable access to culturally sensitive resources and servces.