December 2009 Heart-to-Heart Memo   

Family Guide - Newly Revised

YOUNG ADULT SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE 

Michigan Family-to-Family Health Information & Education Center
             Training Schedule 2009-2010 

How to reach us:
 -Call the CSHCS Family Center Phone Line at 1-800-359-3722, or, 
 -Send an email to: cshcsfc@michigan.gov

History
The Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs is a section of Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS).  It is Michigan's prominent family-centered care initiative.  Every state has a similar special health care program under Title V of the Social Security Act.  It was founded in January 1988 by Dr. Bill Clexton. Originally named the Parent Participation Program (PPP), it was renamed to the Family Center in 2006.

When CSHCS launched PPP, it was a national innovation to employ a parent of a child with special health care needs to represent families on the Title V administrative team.  Because of the trial's success, numerous Title V programs nationwide have adopted the concept.  Today, the Family Center is comprised primarily of parent consultants who have children with special health care needs.

Purpose
The Family Center's primary purpose is to help shape CSHCS policies and procedures and to help families navigate the CSHCS system.  Through its Family Support Network of Michigan, the Center provides emotional support and information to statewide families of children with special health care needs.  The Center is also the coordinating partner of Michigan's Family-to-Family Health Education and Information Center.

Services
Services of the Family Center of Children and Youth with Special Health Needs include:
  -Answering the CSHCS Family Phone Line (1-800-359-3722)
  -Distributing the Heart-to-Heart Information Updated a newsletter of interest to families
  -Coordinating Relatively Speaking, a biennial conference uniquely for siblings
  -Directing the Family Support Network of Michigan
  -Administering scholarships to enable Michigan parents to attend conferences 
  -Leading training & presentations related to children with special needs and to parent-professional collaboration
  -Coordinating Michigan's Family-to-Family Health Information and Education Center
  -Assisting youth with special needs and their families in the transition to adulthood

Link for ordering CSHCS Brochures.  Click the 'Children's Health Care' link.

  Online Brochures (you can print from here):
     Using Other Insurance with CSHCS (This may take a while to open)
     CSHCS Insurance Premium Payment Benefit 
     FSN Brochure
     CSHCS Informational Brochure  Arabic   English   Spanish  
     Being Prepared for an Emergency Booklet 
     Children with Special Needs Fund (CSN)

Heart-to-Heart
Transition to Adulthood
What is CSHCS?
Michigan Department of Community Health Online Courses
Health Resource Support Parent Training
Family to Family