Utah's health care coordination strategies

A contract with the Department of Health enables immediate access to medical care to any child entering the placement system in Utah. Any urgent medical needs are provided immediately.  The protocol is for every child to have a physical exam within five days of placement. A complete physical is required within thirty days of placement. Every child in foster care has a nurse assigned from the Department of Health. These nurses work to enable continuity of care with the same providers if feasible, gather medical records, track health visits, ensure follow-up care is provided as needed, and educate foster parents on the specific needs of the child. In addition, children aging out of care are educated on self-care and the use of Medicaid.  Read more.

The Fostering Connections Resource Center gratefully acknowledges the National Association of Public Child Welfare Administrators for providing these summaries of state approaches. Please visit NAPCWA for the complete implementation summary.