Tennessee created its Children's Special Services program to coordinate care and health services to special needs children in low-income households. These services can be obtained by contacting county health departments. Children, from birth to age three, can be evaluated for developmental delays by TEIS, which will also coordinate services with the Department of Health's Children's Special Services program, the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation, or a private provider. Parents can inquire about these services by calling their local health department and speaking with a Children's Special Services Care-coordinator. Children with a severe emotional disturbance receive a comprehensive package of services ranging from case management to hospital care through the TennCare Partners Program.
Parents Supporting Parents is a support program for parents with children who have special needs.
A parent who has experience with a particular problem or disorder is linked with a parent facing those challenges for the first time. Parents can call their health department for information on how to access this service. These children often draw on services of more than one department, and the registry will enable caseworkers to coordinate care and services across departmental lines. The Sundquist Administration is working with health professionals, organizations and parents to expand services to special needs children through the State Child Health Insurance program. Getting a Good Start Each of Tennessee's 95 counties has at least one health department which provides a variety of services for children, including immunizations and well baby check-ups for families who do not have a private physician or clinic for care.