The systems of care for children and youth with special health care (CYSHCN) in Nevada are fragmented and difficult to access. Families face enormous obstacles to getting appropriate insurance and medical care for their children and often find themselves in an impenetrable maze of bureaucracy once they locate services. Through the Link Up Nevada project, Family TIES of Nevada, in partnership with the Nevada Bureau of Child, Family, and Community Wellness, is implementing a multi-level, statewide approach to develop a coordinated community system of care for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and their families.

Link Up Nevada addresses two major issues:

1. the frustration parents have with barriers to receiving health care for their CYSHCN and non-health support services, and

2. the lack of attention to the transition needs for youth with disabilities and special health care needs.

Project staff assists families and youth by:

· Conducting screenings for health and support needs
· Making referrals to appropriate services
· Providing training and technical assistance

Family Centered Care Self-Assessment Tools Family-centered care is one component of the Medical Home. It addresses the partnership between the family and health provider that is so essential to ensuring quality healthcare for a child, while at the same time supporting the family's needs for information, as well as connections to services and supports. Family Voices, with funding from the MCHB, has developed a Family-Centered Care Self-Assessment tool.

These materials were designed to assist both families' and primary health care settings' awareness about the implementation of family-centered care. The provider version of the tool provides an organized way for outpatient care staff to identify what they do well, and create a plan to address areas that need improvement. The goal of the family version of the tool is to help families understand their role as a partner in their child's health care, and their role in helping to develop practices and policies in the healthcare setting.

· Download the Provider Version of the Family-Centered Care Self-Assessment Tool.
· Download the Family Version of the Family-Centered Care Self-Assessment Tool.

Google Health puts you in charge of your health information. It's safe, secure, and free.

· Organize your health information all in one place
· Gather your medical records from doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies
· Share your information securely with a family member, doctors or caregivers

Youth Leadership Kids As Self Advocates (KASA) KASA is a national, grassroots project created by youth and young adults with disabilities for youth and young adults with disabilities. They know youth and young adults can make choices and advocate for themselves if they have the information and support they need. Healthy & Ready to Work A National Resource Center that believes all youth with special health care needs (YSHCN) should receive the services necessary to transition to all aspects of adulthood, including adult health care, employment and independence. Includes information Youth Leadership, Healthcare, and HRTW U for sharing promising practices about interagency collaboration, medical home, transition/youth, and family partnerships.