Family Professional Partnerships/CSHCN-Family Opportunity Act

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The purpose of this initiative for "Family To Family Health Care Information and Education Centers for Families of Children with Special Health Care Needs" (F2F HICs) is to assist families so that: "Families of children with special health care needs will partner in decision-making at all levels". Grants will fund state-wide, family-run centers providing information, education, technical assistance and peer support to families of CYSHCN. They will be responsible for developing partnerships with those organizations serving these children and their families and monitor the progress of programs with responsibility for payment and direct services of this population through a statewide data collection system. Centers will: 1) Assist families of CSHCN make informed choices about health care in order to promote good treatment decisions, cost effectiveness and improved health outcomes; 2) Provide information regarding the health care needs of and resources available for CSHCN; 3) Identify successful health delivery models; 4) Develop with representatives of health care providers, managed care organization, health car purchasers, and appropriate State agencies, a model for collaboration between families of CSHCN and health professionals; 5) Provide training and guidance regarding the care of CSHCN; 6) Conduct outreach activities to families, health professionals, schools and other appropriate entities; and 7) Be staffed by such families who have expertise in Federal and State public and private health care systems and health providers.

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