We provide information and resources for families of children and youth with special health care needs. HCP does not provide emergency care.
How will my family benefit from HCP?
Families turn to HCP for information, resources and referrals to valuable community support in their area. HCP promotes communication between families, providers and community resources by connecting children and youth to the care they need. Families may also gain a greater understanding of their child’s medical condition and coordinating their child’s health care. This can lead to a more successful and fulfilling experience at home, at school and in the community.
Resources for Colorado Families and Children
- 211 Colorado - access comprehensive community information and resources by searching the online database.
- Colorado Office of Early Childhood PLAYbook describes a child’s learning and development from birth to 5 years old and provides practical tips and fun activities that anyone can use to support young children’s healthy development
- Colorado School for the Deaf and the Blind: Go to the website- or call 710-578-2100 to get information on the Colorado Home Intervention Program, an early education program for children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Community Voices - Community Voices strives to improve access to and quality of health care for children and youth with special health care needs. Programs and services include navigation, training, advocacy, and resources (including transitions).
- Community Centered Boards - Case Management Services assist a person in accessing necessary services and supports to meet his or her needs. Services include intake, eligibility determination, service plan development, arrangement for services, delivery of services, service and support coordination, monitoring, any safeguards necessary to prevent conflict of interest between case management and direct service provision, and termination and discharge from services.
- CU School of Medicine Outreach Clinics - this list of specialty care outreach clinics is maintained by the CU School of Medicine. Clinics are located throughout the region and may help families reduce the number of trips into Denver for specialty care.
- Early Intervention Colorado- For families with children ages birth through 3 years diagnosed with a physical or mental condition that could be a developmental disability. Go to the website or call 1-888-777-4041.
- Facebook pages for families and providers- *CDPHE is not responsible for nor do we endorse the content on these pages.
- Family Voices Colorado - a grassroots organization run by parents of children with special healthcare needs. The support you receive is from someone who understands the many challenges of having a child with special health care needs in their life.
- Meeting the Needs of ALL Families - This resource guide was compiled by the Family-Run Executive Director Leadership Association (FREDLA) to highlight the rich diversity and unique needs of today’s families.
- Parent to Parent of Colorado - Support families, parents, and caregivers by connecting them to emotional and informational resources.
- Respite Navigation Guide - Navigating Respite Care In Colorado: A Guide For Families And Professionals.
- Respite Camp Guide - The 2022 Spring and Summer Respite Guide includes camps for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and/or Special Health Care Needs.
- Thrive Center - Helps parents, caregivers, and families with training, advocacy, and resources navigation.
- Transition Resources - Find resources to prepare your student for adult life.
- Got Transition - Got Transition/Center for Health Care Transition is a cooperative agreement between the Maternal and Child Health Bureau and The National Alliance to Advance Adolescent Health. Their aim is to improve transition from pediatric to adult health care through the use of new and innovative strategies for health professionals and youth and families.
- Technical Assistance: Adult and Community Agencies - There are many agencies that serve youth and adults with disabilities. Some offer vocational and residential services, others provide personal support or financial assistance. State agencies have services available in most local communities throughout the state, however it is important to identify locally what is available in your community.
- What is Medical Genetics? - Resource for families in English and Spanish.
Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid Program) Resources
- Colorado Programs for Children - Includes information on eligibility criteria, benefits and services, and how to apply for: Medicaid, Medicaid Buy-In, CHP+, waivers, services for physical, intellectual/developmental disabilities, and behavioral health services.
- Community Centered Boards - Case Management Services assist a person in accessing necessary services and supports to meet his or her needs. Services include intake, eligibility determination, service plan development, arrangement for services, delivery of services, service and support coordination, monitoring, any safeguards necessary to prevent conflict of interest between case management and direct service provision, and termination and discharge from services.
- Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnostic and Treatment (EPSDT) - benefit provides comprehensive and preventive health care services for Health First Colorado (Colorado's Medicaid Program) members age 20 and under along with pregnant adults.
- Healthy Communities Program: Outreach is performed by Regional Accountable Entities (RAEs). They will answer Health First Colorado member questions concerning providers and benefits.
- Medicaid Pediatric Behavioral Therapies Benefit - Behavioral therapy is a treatment that helps change nonadaptive behaviors. Professionals use this type of therapy to replace bad habits with good ones.
- Parent as CNA - Start here if you are a parent interested in being a Certified Nursing Aide (CNA) for your child.
- Single Entry Points - provides case management, care planning, and makes referrals to other resources for clients with the following qualifying needs: elderly, blind and disabled, mental health, persons living with AIDS, brain injury, spinal cord injury, children with a life-limiting illness, children with a physical disability.