The following tools and resources aim to provide health care professionals with the necessary background, health assessment forms, forms to facilitate communication and collaboration between professionals, and other materials to help care for children and teens in foster care.
Background
Foster Care Journey
Understand a child’s journey through the child welfare system
Confidentiality Laws Tip Sheet
Understand laws around patient confidentiality
Tips for Working With Children and Teens in Foster Care
Know who to work with
10 Things Every Pediatrician Should Know About Children in Foster Care
Understand where these children are coming from and your role as a pediatrician
Helping Foster and Adoptive Families Cope With Trauma: A Guide for Pediatricians
Understand the effects of trauma and how to identify it (click here for more on trauma-informed care)
Clinical Forms
Health Information Form
Assess and monitor children and teens in foster care
Health Summary Form
Complete a health summary form at the conclusion of every visit, and provide a copy to the foster parent and caseworker
Consent to Obtain Confidential Records or Information
Obtain consent for confidential records/information
Consent to Release Confidential Records or Information
If asked to release confidential records/information
Referral and Feedback Form
Communicate and coordinate referrals
Back to Sleep for Babies in Foster Care: Every Time, With Every Caregiver
(Click here for Spanish version)
Encourage caregivers to pledge to follow the proper safe sleep practices
Visit Discharge and Referral Summary for Family
Complete this form and give to the family to guide them in following up on referrals
Office Management
Coding Tips for Trauma
Use these codes for evaluations involving screening and anticipatory guidance related to trauma and other mental health/developmental concerns
Models of Care
Learn about various models set up to serve children in foster care
Foster Care Friendly Tip Sheet for Health Professionals
Promote a foster care friendly office
Patient Relationship
A Message From a Child Formerly In Foster Care
Ensure kids of trauma feel safe and valued
Guidance for Foster/Kinship Caregivers
Counsel foster and kinship caregivers
Talking With Families About Adoption, Foster Care, & Kinship Care in the Pediatrician's Office
Know how and when to initiate age-appropriate discussions about adoption and foster care.
Other Tools/Resources
Helping Children in Foster Care Make Successful Transitions Into Child Care
Help caregivers make successful transitions
Parenting After Trauma: Understanding Your Child’s Needs
Help parents understand the effects of trauma
May is National Foster Care Month Flyer
Advocate for the health of children and teens in foster care
Fostering Health: Health Care for Children and Adolescents in Foster Care, 2nd Edition
Read more about standards of health care for children and teens in foster care
State Medicaid Provider Directories
View state-specific information
Moving to Adulthood: A Handout for Youth Aging Out of Foster Care
Prepare older youth in care with tips for obtaining health records and securing health insurance.
Making Healthy Choices: A Guide on Psychotropic Medications for Youth in Foster Care
Provide youth with this guide to help them understand how medication can help and what other options are available.
Supporting Youth in Foster Care in Making Healthy Choices
This is a companion piece to the above guide and is specifically developed for caregivers and caseworkers.
Last Updated
07/21/2021
Source
American Academy of Pediatrics