Fostering Health Program
Fostering Health Program at Hasbro Children's Hospital
The Fostering Health Program provides family centered medical care to newborns and children through the age of 18 who are in foster, kinship and congregate care. The goal is to provide a medical home for these children and adolescents.
Meeting a Critical Need
The Fostering Health Program was established to address obstacles to health care experienced by Rhode Island children in foster care. As a component of Hasbro Children’s Hospital’s primary care services, the program is committed to providing a timely, comprehensive, family centered medical home to any foster child who does not have a primary care provider.
Creating a Medical Home for Children in Need
Carol Lewis, MD, discusses the Fostering Health Clinic at Hasbro Children’s Hospital, which provides primary care services and a medical home base for children in the foster care system.
Comprehensive, Coordinated Care
After the child’s initial evaluation, the team asks that the child return in a month and then the team tailors subsequent appointments to the child’s needs. Clinic visits at times of placement transition are encouraged as well.
The program staff collaborates with Department of Children Youth and Families caseworkers, foster care families, birth families, residential treatment staff, mental health providers, subspecialty providers and educators. This is an opportunity for caregivers to learn more about the child’s health, special health care needs, and to provide education to both foster parents and biologic parents.
Our services include:
- Comprehensive intake evaluation within one month of removal from home or transition of placement
- Annual physical exams and immunizations
- Comprehensive mental, behavioral and developmental screening
- Sick visit care
- Education and support to all those involved in the child’s care, including foster parents, biological parents and case workers
- Referrals to medical and mental health specialists as needed
- Ongoing communication with the Rhode Island Department of Child Youth and Families and schools
- Gathering and updating health information
- Interpretation services