Engaging Families: Ideas and Resources for Families of Children with Special Healthcare Needs

Amy Holbert, LISW-CP, MSW Jena Martin, CCLS, CPLCExecutive Director Directorof Special Populations and Quality

Engaging Families:Ideas and Resources for Families of

Children with Special Healthcare Needs

Objectives• Learner will recognize the importance of

involving families in a mutually beneficial partnership between themselves, their child, and healthcare professionals

• Participants will gain knowledge of the unique issues that affect families who have children with disabilities and special healthcare needs

• Learner will gain practical ideas for creating a positive partnership with parents of children who have special medical healthcare needs

My Story

Family ConnectionS O U T H C A R O L I N A

Parent Support Connection:One-on-one support for parents/caregivers of a child with a disability by a trained Parent Navigator.

Healthcare Connection: Assistance with Medicaid, TEFRA, appeals and managed care information.

Education Connection:

Workshops, webinars, online

trainings

Training Connection: Provide training opportunities for family members, professionals and self advocates throughout the state.

Advocacy Connection: Self-advocacy training, leadership opportunities for parents and youth.

www.FamilyConnectionSC.org

Services We Provide

www.FamilyConnectionSC.org

Why is Family Engagement Important?

Promotes:• Social, • Emotional,• Physical, • Academic • Occupational growth of children and youth

Leads to better health & post-school outcomes.

“us on behalf of them”…“us versus them”… “us with them”…

How would you describe attitudes about parental involvement and family engagement Yours?Your organization?Your families?