CMS Resources

Georgia Resources for Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (Birth through 21)

Do you need assistance with seeking community resources for your child with special healthcare needs? Please access the Parent to Parent of Georgia Special Needs Database or call 1-800-229-2038.

Parent to Parent of Georgia provides services to children and youth with disabilities and their families. Services include a digital database of resources, such as respite care, child care, parent training, and support groups available in local areas. 

Additional Information about CMS

Your care coordinator can assist with the following information:

Developmental Milestones - From birth to 5 years, your child should reach milestones in how he plays, learns, speaks, acts and moves. Click on this link to track your child’s development and act early if you have a concern.

Safe Sleep - This program is intended to protect infants from Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related causes of death.

Car Seat Safety - This program provides child safety seats and education on proper installation primarily through the Mini-Grant Program which works with local community partners to provide best-practice education and services to help parents and caregivers transport children safely.

Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) - This program provides early screening for hearing loss, referrals for those who do not pass, and linkage to appropriate interventions for those diagnosed with hearing loss.

Early Intervention Services, Babies Can’t Wait (BCW) - This early intervention or Part C program provides support and resources to assist family members and caregivers to enhance their child’s learning and development.

Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies - This webpage will connect you to Georgia providers and community support resources for families.

Medical Foods: Medical Nutritional Therapy for Prevention Program (MNT4P) - This program provides equal and appropriate access to medical nutrition therapy for patients with inherited metabolic disorders, regardless of income status.

Emergency Preparedness - Are you and your family ready for an emergency? Would you know what to do if a disaster strikes? Do you have the food, supplies, safety materials, etc. needed if an emergency were to happen? Is your home secure? All of these are important questions to ask yourself, especially if you have a child or youth with special healthcare needs. There may be additional concerns such as additional supplies of non-expired medications, accessible durable equipment, a list of doctors or locations of the closest medical facility, and an easily accessible emergency plan that includes your child’s medical history. Take a look at the  CMS Emergency Care Plan Tool to make sure you are prepared if an emergency or disaster were to strike.

Medical Home - CMS Care Coordinators use a medical home approach to pediatric primary care. A medical home is a patient-centered model that is comprehensive, team-based, coordinated, accessible, and focused on quality healthcare. The partnerships and supports formed in this medical home, between providers and families (or youth), allow for smooth uninterrupted services for youth as they move from pediatric to adult health care. It also encourages collaboration with other community providers. This is an effective way to create success as it relates to the medical needs of your child and family. 

The following are common elements of a medical home:

  • Accessible: Your family is able to easily reach the doctor’s office, your insurance/Medicaid is accepted and your doctor is available when you need him/her
  • Patient-Centered: your child’s needs are recognized and are at the focus of the care plan
  • Continuous: Care is ongoing and without unnecessary interruptions
  • Comprehensive: Your child’s medical, educational, developmental, and psychosocial needs are met
  • Coordinated: Care is coordinated by your child’s doctor with other specialists, providers, and school personnel as needed
  • Culturally Competent: Your cultural background is recognized and respected. Information is provided in your primary language as needed. Interpreters or translators are made available upon your request.

Page last updated 12/13/2022