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Maternity and Children's Services

First Steps Program

First Steps is a program involving maternity support services and infant case management. This is done through home and office visits by a team of professionals (nurse, nutritionist, mental health specialist), working with you and your family to help make pregnancy and parenting a positive experience for you, your baby and your family.

If you are pregnant and eligible for medical coupons, you are eligible for First Steps Services. No one is denied service due to inability to pay.

For more information, call (360) 740-1224 and request to speak with First Steps staff.

Children with Special Health Care Needs

The Children with Special Health Care Needs Program (CSHCN) serves children who have serious physical, behavioral or emotional conditions that require health and related services beyond those required by children generally. The mission of the CSHCN Program is to assure that children and youth with special health care needs achieve the healthiest life possible.

CSHCN Coordinators are public health nurses who can:

  • Help families access needed services for their child, such as medical care and other interventions.
  • Refer families to health insurance programs and information, both private insurance and the state funded Medicaid program.
  • Help families help each other though parent support organizations.
  • Help with concerns such as feeding, nutrition, growth, development and behavior.

There is no charge for consulting with a CSHCN Coordinator, regardless of family income.

Who Do We Serve?

  • Children birth to 18 years of age
  • who have, or are at risk of having, a serious physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition;
  • who require health and related services of a type and amount beyond what is generally required;
  • who are residents of Washington State.
  • Youth ages 18 and older can get helpful information to make the transition to adult health care.

For more information, call (360) 740-1489 to leave a message for the CSHCN staff, or visit the Washington State Department of Health CSHCN website.

Work First Evaluations

The WorkFirst Evaluation program involves a Public Health Nurse evaluating children with special medical, developmental or behavioral problems. These evaluations are necessary to assist DSHS in determining the caregivers’ level of ability to take part in WorkFirst activities.

Our Services:

  • Initiate contact with the participant after receiving a referral by a DSHS WorkFirst Case Manager/Social Worker.
  • Conduct a skilled nursing evaluation of the special health care needs of the referred child, including medical, developmental, and/or behavioral needs.
  • Conduct follow-up evaluation of the child’s needs when authorized by DSHS.

For more information, call (360) 740-1224 and request to speak with Work First Evaluations staff.