The Fostering Connections Program is a specialized care clinic that offers comprehensive healthcare services to children and adolescents placed in foster or out-of-home care. The clinic serves as a medical home for these patients by providing initial assessments following placement, well-child or sick-child visits and care coordination. The initial medical evaluation includes a complete medical examination and a review of prior medical history. The patient will also undergo mental health and developmental screenings to identify additional treatment needs.

Traditionally, different areas of care (e.g., mental health, dental, vision, etc.) functioned separately, with little coordination or communication with other care providers. The care coordination offered through the Fostering Connections Program is designed to help foster families and kinship caregivers in navigating the healthcare system for these various needs, while improving continuity of care among the other providers. The care coordinator assists with the collection of prior medical information, referrals and follow-up care.

The Fostering Connections Program streamlines access to behavioral health services, developmental services and other providers, which enables children to receive the care they need in an efficient and timely manner. The care coordination and the support offered to foster and kinship caregivers provides treatment that is tailored to the specific needs of the children being served.