Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs

Two babies

Program Overview: 

Maine CDC’s Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program (CYSHCN) sits at the Maine Center for Disease Control & Prevention and is part of the Title V: Maternal and Child Health Block Grant. 

Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs is defined by the National Standards of Care for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs as: 

  • Children birth to age 21 who have or are at risk for a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition AND who also require health and related services of a type or amount beyond that required by children generally. 

Mission: Improve the health and quality of life for children with special health care needs and their families. 

Goal: Assist families and providers in finding services that will help the child or youth acquire optimal health, development, wellbeing, and the best quality of life.

We envision a state where all children and youth will: 

  • Enjoy a full life, from childhood through adulthood.
  • Experience systems that support their social, emotional, physical health and wellbeing.
  • Have dignity, autonomy, independence, and active participation in their communities.
  • Engage in a system that supports families as partners in care and shared decision making.

Our team thrives to provide and promote family-centered, coordinated care and facilitate the development of community-based systems for the children and families of Maine. 

little girl playing in bubbles little boy receiving ear drops

2024-2025 Monthly Learning Series

Maine CDC’s Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs team will provide virtual “live” webinars on specific topics. Trainings will be recorded and available for “on-demand” training opportunities. 

Topic Date & Time Presenter Registration Link
Help Me Grow Maine Nov. 5, 2024, 3:30-4:30pm Melinda Corey Register Here
Lead Poisoning Prevention Dec. 3, 2024, 3:30-4:30pm Dr. Maggie Bourdeau Register Here
Oral Health Jan. 7, 2025, 3:30-4:30pm Katelyn Christiansen Register Here
Paid Family and Medical Leave Law Feb. 4, 2025, 3:20-4:30pm Reginald Parsons Register Here
Pediatric Brain Injury Awareness March 4, 2025, 3:30-4:30pm

Jessica Riccardi

Katy Bizier

 Register Here