The web Browser you are currently using is unsupported, and some features of this site may not work as intended. Please update to a modern browser such as Chrome, Firefox or Edge to experience all features Michigan.gov has to offer.
The Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (Family Center)
Welcome to the Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (Family Center)! The Family Center is the statewide parent-directed center within Children's Special Health Care Services (CSHCS) and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).
The Family Center offers emotional support, information, and connections to community-based resources to families of children and youth with special health care needs. This includes all children who have or are at an increased risk for: physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions. Children do not need to be enrolled in CSHCS to receive services from the Family Center.
The Family Center also provides parental perspectives and input on health care matters while focusing on families' access to coordinated systems of care. The Family Center works from a family-centered care approach and promotes family/professional partnerships at all levels of care. This ensures that families participate in the decision-making process and are satisfied with the services they receive.
How to reach us:
- Call the Family Center Direct Line at 517-241-7630
- Call the CSHCS Family Phone Line at 1-800-359-3722
- Send an email to: cshcsfc@michigan.gov
Services Include:
- Information and Referrals
- Support
- Family Phone Line
- Quarterly Newsletters
- Camp Scholarship Application and Verification Form
- Conference Scholarships
- Parent Mentor Trainings
- Bereavement Parent Mentor Trainings
- Connect families to community-based resources
- Support to Local Health Departments
- Family Leadership Network
- Trainings on CSHCS and the Family Center
Important Links and Resources
COVID-Public-Health-Emergency-Ends-51123.png (1900×1200) (michigan.gov)
CDC COVID-19 Children and Youth with Special Healthcare Needs FAQ
Stay informed!
We want to provide you the information you would like regarding services offered through our programs. please sign up here . If you do not have a prior subscription with GovDelivery, you will be required to first provide your email address.
Michigan Family Connections Newsletters
Michigan Resources for Grieving Families
We are pleased to share with you the upcoming 2024-2025 online learning opportunities brought to you through a partnership between Michigan Family to Family Health Information Center and the Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs. In addition, the Growing as Leaders series is also in collaboration with the Parent Leadership in State Government initiative.
2024-2025 Online Learning Opportunities Descriptions and Registration
Family Leadership Network (FLN)
Our Family Leadership Network (FLN) works with MI Family to Family Health Information Center and the Family Center for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs. The FLN helps us stay connected with resources and families across Michigan. Up to two FLN members come from each of the 10 Michigan Prosperity Regions. Learn more about the FLN and see current openings here: Family Leadership Network - Michigan Family to Family (f2fmichigan.org)
Epilepsy Resources
Beneficial Online and Smart Phone Apps for Children and Youth with Epilepsy
Health Care Transition Resources for Youth with Disabilities
Meet Me is a great new tool which utilizes a concept called Shared Decision Making. Shared Decision Making relies on mutual trust and understanding. The Patient and Family Advisors to Michigan's Pediatric Epilepsy Project recommend patients and families set the stage for partnership before the first visit by sharing key information about yourself or your child with your health care provider.
Family Voices Telehealth Webinars
Family-centered telehealth is a way of receiving health care services. As part of an award, the national Family Voices created webinars titled the Nuts and Bolts of Telemedicine: Essentials for a Family-Centered Experience.
Here are the four webinars:
Free Online Trainings
https://courses.mihealth.org/PUBLIC/home.html
- The Family Center's Parent Mentor Training
- What is Children's Special Health Care Services?
- Transition to Adulthood Services
You will need to sign in to access this website. Use the "Create New User" function if it is your first time visiting the site. Use "Public" as your organization and hit the "Continue" button. You do not need an access code. Fill out the boxes that follow. Only the boxes with the stars are required. Click "Create New User" and accept the user agreement to continue. Scroll down the list until you see the training you are looking for and click on the far-left icon to start the training.