Service map for childhood health & education in Georgia : a guide for parents, caregivers & anyone working with children 0 to 21 years in Georgia

Service Map
for Childhood Health & Education in Georgia
A guide for parents caregivers & anyone working with children
0 to 21 years in Georgia
Georgia Department of Community Health

How to use this map
We know how important raising a healthy and happy family is to you. But it s not always easy.
This map was created to help you navigate the services offered in Georgia to support you and your family.
Answer the questions below to help you find which section of the map to read first.
Use the lists of national program websites and community-based resources and contact information to learn more.

Guiding Questions
1 How do I get health insurance for myself and my family
2 Where do I go to get health care
3 How do I plan for a healthy pregnancy
4 What programs can help my family if we are low-income
5 What kind of community resources can my family access
While some programs and services are only available to low-income families you may be surprised to learn what government assistance you and your family are eligible for. Visit the Georgia Gateway h(tgtpas t//egwateawya.yg.gaa..ggoov/vac)cetsos/find out.

What does health insurance cover
Whether you have state-funded or private health insurance you and your family should have access to preventative specialty and dental care.
Preventative Care immunizations exams screenings dental vision hearing
Specialty Care Ears nose & throat specialist audiologist ophthalmologist occupational physical &
speech therapy HIV care
Dental Care exams x-rays cleanings fluoride fillings extractions

1 Getting health insurance
Finding adequate and affordable health insurance is one of the most important steps in caring for you and your family.

Does your family have

No

health insurance

Yes

Go online to Georgia Gateway

No

the state s Integrated

Eligibility System to

check your eligibility

for Medicaid. https /g/gaatteewwaayy.g.ga.gao.gv/oavccess/ Yes

Are you eligibile

Your insurance should cover what is
listed under What does health insurance cover

If you are eligible for Medicaid you can receive health insurance subsidized by the state of Georgia from the
following Medicaid Managed Care Programs

Georgia Families If your income is lower than a certain threshold you and your children qualify
for Medicaid which in our state is called Georgia Families.
PeachCare for Kids If your income is higher than the threshold to receive health insurance through Georgia Families your children may still qualify for the State Child Health Insurance Program (SCHIP) which in our state is called PeachCare for Kids.
Right from the Start If you are pregnant you may qualify for Medicaid through Right from the Start (even if you were not eligible for Medicaid before).
Planning for Healthy Babies If you are planning for pregnancy or planning not to become pregnant you can access women s health services at Planning
for Healthy Babies.
Georgia Families 360 Children in foster care receive Medicaid through Georgia Families 360 provided by Amerigroup.
If you or your children qualify for one of the above programs you can choose from four
Care Management Organizations (CMOs) Wellcare Peach State CareSource or Amerigroup. Find a doctor or dentist in your network to get care.

2

Getting health care

Know where to go in your community to get health care either with or without insurance.

If you are not eligible for a Georgia Medicaid subsidy you can look for health insurance plans
on the Affordable Care Act website hthtepas l/t/hwcwarwe.hgeoavltohrcdaroe.agnovo/nline search for other
health insurance aggregators

Were you able to get

health insurance

No

Yes
You can access health care from
the following providers

If you are still uninsured and cannot cover the costs of health care there are options to access health care at subsidized rates on a sliding fee scale

Federally

County Health

Qualified Health

Departments The

Centers (FQHC) /

Georgia Department of

Rural Health Centers (RHC) Urban and rural subsidized health
clinics. Find you closest FQHC or RHC using the map found at
this link goo.gl/n8BeNJ https //dch.georgia.gov/sites/dch.georgia.gov/files/imported/vgn/images/portal/cit_1210/16/32/126678868Federally%20Qualified%20Health%20Centers%20Dec%202011.pdf

Public Health (DPH) funds 18 public health districts each comprised of one or
more county health departments. There are many health care programs for infants and children available through these departments. To find the closest one to you check out the District Health

Office Directory

goo.gl/e4ZxvL https //dph.georgia.gov/sites/dph.georgia.gov/files/District%20Directory_05%202016.pdf

Community Service Boards These are public agencies created by state law to provide mental health
developmental disability and/or substance abuse services. Find your closest Community Service Board httpsd /b/dhdbdhd.gde.goergoirag.giao.gv/olvo/cloactiaotniosn/cso/cmomumnuitnyit-yse-srevricveic-eb-obaoradrd

Wellcare

CareSource

https //1g-8e6o6rg-2ia3.w1-1e8ll2c1are.com georgia.wellcare.com

1-855-202-0729 htctaprse s//ocuarrcees.ocoumrc/eg.ceoomrg/igaeorgia

Peach State

Amerigroup

1-866-874-0633

1-800-249-0442

https //wwpws.hppsh.cpogmeorgia.com httpasm //earmigerroigupro.cuopm.com

3 Planning for a healthy pregnancy
Having a healthy pregnancy is one of the best ways to promote a healthy birth. Getting early and regular prenatal care improves the chances of a healthy pregnancy.

4 Low-income family assistance
There are a number of programs that your family may qualify for depending on your household income that can assist with nutrition child care housing medical services and more.

Are you pregnant or

Yes

think you might be

No

Do you have health insurance

Do you need help obtaining Family
Planning

The Georgia Gatehwttapys (/g/gaatetewwaayy.g.gaa.g.goovv)/aisccaensos/nline portal that lets you see if you may qualify for
- Help with buying food - Help with buying prescription drugs - Help with paying for child care - Help with paying for health insurance - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Yes

No

Make an appointment with
your doctor as soon as possible
Make an appointment with the prenatal clinic
at your closest county health department or
subsidized health clinic

Yes
Contact your local health department for family planning services provided on a sliding scale
Visit Georgia Gateway https //ggaatteewwaayy..ga.gov/taoccess/ see if you qualify for

Women Infants & Children (WIC) A supplemental Nutrition Program for infants and children age 1 to 5 years (including foster children) pregnant women breastfeeding mothers (up to 1 year) and postpartum women (up to 6 months)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) A monthly cash assistance program with an employment services component for low-income families with children under age 18 and children age 18 attending school full-time.
Child Care and Parent Services (CAPS) Subsidizes the cost of child care for eligible low-income families living in Georgia.

Take prenatal vitamins and abstain from alcohol drugs and tobacco
You may qualify for Medicaid now even if you
didn t before. See section 1 Getting Health Insurance and visit
https //dph.gdepohrg.giae.goorgv/ipa.rgegonva/ncy-resources pregnancy-resources

Planning for Healthy Babies A program that expands Medicaid for underinsured
and uninsured Georgians who qualify for family planning services and for women who give birth to a
very low birthweight baby

Regular prenatal visits with your doctor are very important for moms-to-be

4 1 visit a 28 1 visit every 36

1 visit

40

wks month wks 2 weeks wks per week wks

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) A federally-funded program that provides monthly benefits to low-income households to help pay for the cost of food.
Medicaid (see section 1) A joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some people with limited income and resources.
HOUSING UTILITIES etc.
Subsidized Housing (Section 8) hHttUpDs ./g/wovw/swta.htueds/.ggoevo/rsgtiaates/georgia
Georgia Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program hgttopos /.g/dlf/cHs.gWeoArgFiaM.gDov/low-income-home-energy-assistance-program-liheap Lifeline Assistance Programs Access Vhtotpi /c/pesca.sntadte/.goar.usB/croonasudmbera_cnodrnear/scsc_istetlaecnocme/a dgvisooory./glifle/liznheaFssqis7t_blinkup.asp Non-emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) ghtotpos. g//dl/cCh.tg5exozrgyia.gov/non-emergency-medical-transportation

5 Other community-based resources

GENERAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING

MENTAL HEALTH & CRISIS

Georgia Family Connection Partnership hgtatpfc p//.ogragfcp.org/

404-527-7394

Georgia NAMI Non-Crisis HelpLine

770-408-0625

Crisis Directory hntatpmsi g//an.oarmgi/gcari.soirsg-i/ncfroisis-info

United Way htutpnist e/d/wunaiyte.odrwg/alyo.coargl//ulnoictaeld/-usntiatteeds-/sgtaetoersg/iga eorgia

2-1-1

Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) 404-657-2700 htdtphs .g//edoprghi.ag.egoorvgia.gov

Georgia Community Action Association htgtpeo /r/ggiaecoarag.oiargcaa.org/

404-361-4442

Georgia Crisis & Access Line

1-800-715-4225

Gateway Behavioral Health Services hgttapt e//wwawybwh.gs.aotregwaybhs.org/

866-557-9955

Local Suicide Prevention Lines hsttupic /i/dwew.owrg.s/uhioctidlinee.osr/gg/ehoortglina-essu/igceidoerg-hiao-tsliuniecsid.het-mhol tlines.html

Poison Control htgtpeso r/g/iwapwowis.ognecoerngtiearp.oorigsoncenter.org

404-616-9000

Injury Prevention/SAFE KIDS Coalition htstapf e//ksidasfgeekoidrgsiga.eoorgrg/rieas.oourrgc/ersesources/

404-785-7436

Georgia DPH - Maternal and Child Health htdtpphs. g//eodrpghia.g.geoovrg/MiaC.gHov/MCH

404-657-2850

Georgia DPH Tobacco Quit Line htdtppsh ./g/edoprgh.iga.egoorvg/irae.gaodvy/-rqeuaidt y-quit

1-877-270-STOP 1-855-DEJELO-YA

VISION & HEARING

Georgia Hearing Aid Distribution

404-657-4990

httpg o//op.gslc/.7stLantRe.ygwa.us/telecom/hearing_aid_program.asp

Georgia Lions Lighthouse Foundation httlpiosn /s/lilgiohntshloiguhsteh.oorugse.org

404-325-3630

Early Hearing Detection & Intervention (EHDI) 435-797-3584 htdtphs .g//edoprghi.ag.egoorvg/iEaH.gDoIv/EHDI

Visually Impaired Preschool Services (VIPS) 404-463-0616 goo.gl/EswyiR http //www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Special-Education-Services/Pages/Visual-Impairment-and-Blindness.aspx

EDUCATION

Georgia Head Start Collaboration Office 1-866-763-6481 ghtotpos.g /l//eecElkvcD.oqhsA.acf.hhs.gov/programs/georgia-head-start-collaboration-office

Georgia Local School Districts

404-656-2800

ghtotpo //.wgwl/wN.ga5dzoce.zorSg/External-Affairs-and-Policy/AskDOE/Pages/Schools-and-Districts.aspx

State Funded Preschool Local Coordinator 404-656-5957 hdttepc a//l.dgeac.gaol.gv/aB.gfotSv/EBnftrSo/llEinngrIonlPlinregKIn.aPsrpexK.aspx

Child Care Resource & Referral Agency htdtpec /a/dl.geaca.gl.ogva/.CgoCvS//CCCCSR/RCSCyRsRteSmys.atespmx.aspx
Community Mental Health Center htdtpbsh d//dd.bghedordg.giae.goorgvi/ab.geohva/vbioerhaal-vhioeraaltl-hhealth

1-877-316-3552 404-651-8520

Home Health Providers

404-215-6000

hthtpoms /e/hwewawlth.hcoamreeahgeeanltchiecsa.rceoamg/ednicreiecst.ocroym/g/adirectory/ga/

Hope Scholarships for TCSG goo.gl/CFerQm https //www.gafutures.org/hope-state-aid-programs/hope-zell-miller-grants/hope-ged-grant/

GA Dept. for Libraries & Archives hgtteposr g//iawawrcwh.igveeos.rogrigaarchives.org/

678-364-3710

Department of Human Services htdtphss. g//edohrgsi.ag.egoorvgia.gov
EMPLOYMENT
Employ Georgia htetmpsp l/o/yegmepolrogyiag.ecormgia.com
Technical College System of Georgia htttcpssg ./e/dtucsg.edu
Department of Labor htdtposl.g /e/odrogl.iga.egoorvgia.gov

404-651-9361
ABUSE

Prevent Child Abuse Georgia hgttcpasp /p/w.owrgw/p.grceavpenpt.o-argb/upsreevent-abuse

404-413-1460

1-844-283-0997 1-833-FOR-TCSG

Abuse Hotline

1-855-422-4453

goo.gl/igx7vE https //gcadv.org/projects-an
d-initiatives/statewide-domes

hgttopso /./gdflc/sJ.gQeorrBgiaT.gBov/child-abuse-neglect1-800-334-2836

tic-violence-hotline

HELPLINE Georgia

1-800-338-6745

Alcohol & Drug Problems Victims of Violent

Crime Gambling Problems Legal Matters

Reporting Drug Trafficking Self-Help and

Support Groups

National Websites
Learn the Signs. Act Early hctdtpc.sg /o/vw/wncwb.dcdcd./gaocvt/enacrblyddd/actearly/ A milestone tracker app to help parents track their child s development and act early in case of concern.
Text4baby htettxpt4s b//atbeyx.to4rbgaby.org A free text message service and app for critical health and safety information about baby s development pregnancy child care tips and more.
Zero to Three hztetrpost o//twhrwewe.ozergrotothree.org A portal of resources and services for babies and toddlers focusing on critical early connections.
First Signs hfitrtspt s/i/gfinrs.tosrigns.org/ A resource and education hub for parents and professionals about autism and related disorders including the screening and referral process.
Autism Speaks hatutptiss m//swpwewak.asu.otrisgmspeaks.org Promotes solutions across the spectrum including an Autism Response Team hotline 888-288-4762
Autism Society of America hatuttpissm //-wsowcwie.tayu.otirsgm-society.org/ Information and resources for individuals and families living with autism. 800-3-AUTISM
American Academy of Pediatrics hatatp.so /r/gwww.aap.org/en-us/Pages/Default.aspx Professional association of pediatricians working to improve & develop healthcare policy for all children.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychhiattprys /a/awcwawp..oaragcap.org/ Promotes the healthy development of children adolescents and families through advocacy education and research.
Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration hstatmpsh s//aw.gwowv .samhsa.gov/ A federal agency that leads public health efforts to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness.
National Federation for Families hftftcpms h//.offrcgmh.org Focuses on the issues of children and youth with emotional behavioral or mental health needs and their families.
National Institute of Mental Health hntimtphs. n//inhi.mgohv.nih.gov The largest research organization in the world specializing in mental illness.
Center for Child and Human Development hgtutcpcsh /d/g.guecocrhgde.gtoewonrg.eedtouwn.edu Focuses on children youth and families with special health care needs behavioral health challenges and disabilities (including adults with disabilities).

PRENATAL INFANTS & TODDLERS

I have an OBGYN doctor
and health insurance
Yes
Go to your doctor and set
regular prenatal visits
Download the WebMD Pregnancy App
Before birth identify a
pediatrician for your baby
Birth
Maternal Depression Screening
Yes concern
Referral to
Department for Behavioral Health &
Developmental Disabilities

(0 - 3 Years)

I need to

I need

No

find a or health

doctor

insurance

Refer to Section 2 on back to
find a doctor

Call the Healthy Mothers Healthy
Babies Hotline 1-80O-300-9003
hmhbga.org

Baby is screened before leaving the hospital to check if additional
screenings are needed

New moms should make sure to go to their OBGYN
for regular check ups after
giving birth and ask for a

Children 1st
Child Development
Screening
Yes concern

No concern

Referral to

Continued support and screening at pediatrician
Checkups and well-child visits are
recommended at birth 3 to 5 days after birth and then at 1 2
4 6 9 12 15 18 and 24 months.

Babies Can t Wait
Children s Medical Services
Home Visiting
1st Care

RESOURCES
Healthy Mothers Healthy Babies
htthpm //hhbmgah.bogrga. o1r-g8/00-300-9003 HMHB operates the Maternal and Child Health Referral Line and the Prevent Child Abuse Georgia Helpline to provide callers with appropriate referrals and resources including prenatal education breastfeeding support infant mortality prevention and health insurance access.
1st Care
hdttpphs. g/e/doprghi.ag.geoovr/gsiear.vgiocve/ss/eservrviciceess/-scehrivldicreens-fcirhsitldren-first 855-707-8277 1st Care is a comprehensive home visiting program for infants who are medically fragile including those born with low or very low birth weight.
Department of Public Health Perinatal Care
hdttpphs. g//edoprghi.ga.egoorvg/ipae.groinva/tpael-rhineaatlathl-h e4a0lt4h-657-2850 DPH Perinatal Care focuses on the health of women and babies before during and after birth and include support services information and referrals for breastfeeding centering pregnancy birth control preterm birth tobacco quit line social support safe sleep & nutrition.
MotherToBaby Georgia
hmttposth /e/artfofibliabteys.o.mrgo/tgheeortrogbiaab y8.6o6rg-6/g26eo-6rg84ia7/ MotherToBaby provides free evidence-based information to mothers healthcare professionals and the general public about medications alcohol drugs of abuse herbal supplements chemicals infectious diseases and other exposures during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
WebMD Pregnancy App
hwttepbs m//dw.cwowm.w/perbemgnda.cnocmy-/apprpegnancy-app
Newborn Screening (NBS)
dhptthp.sg e//odrpghia.g.geoovr/gNiaB.gS o v4/0N4B-S657-4143
Department of Public Health Immunizations
hdtpthp. g//edoprhg.igae.goorvg/iaim.gmovu/niimzamtiuonni-zsaetciotino-nsection 404-657-3158
Maternal Substance Abuse & Child Development
hetmtpo r//yw.ewduw/.memsaocrdy.edu/msacd/
Women Infants & Children (WIC)
dhptthp.sg e//odrpghia.g.geoovr/gWiaI.Cgo v1/-W 80IC0-228-9173

CHILD CARE

(0 - 5 Years)

I am a childcare provider in need of assistance

I am a parent looking for child care

I need child care and my child experiences
social/emotional behavior or development concerns

I need help

Yes

paying for

No

child care

Go to Georgia Gateway to see if you qualify for

Get help finding quality child care
near you by contacting

Child Care and Parent Services (CAPS)

Head Start

All GA Kids 1-877-ALL-GA-KIDS

Learn more about Georgia s quality rating system and how to improve
your child care services

Quality Rated
Child Care Resource and Referral
(CCR&R) Agencies

Ready4KGA Text "GEORGIA"
to 70138

Make sure your child is ready for kindergarten
by enrolling in

Department for Behavioral Health &
Developmental Disabilities

Babies Can t Wait

Early Head Start

Head Start

RESOURCES
Child Care and Parent Services (CAPS)
chattpps ./d/wecwawl.g.caa.gpos.vde c1-a8l.3g3a-.4gGovA/CeAn/PS CAPS provides access to high quality and affordable early learning environments for families considered low-income.
Bright from the Start Georgia Department of Early Care & Learning (DECAL)
hftatpm /il/ifeasm.dieliceasl..dgeac.galo.gva .g1-o8v8/8-442-7735 Bright from the Start DECAL administers the Georgia s Pre-K Program licenses child care centers and home-based child care administers the Child Care and Development Funds and administers federal nutrition programs. It also houses the Head Start State Collaboration Office distributes federal funding to enhance the quality and availability of child care and works with Georgia child care resource and referral agencies and organizations throughout the state.
Quality Rated
hqttupasl i/t/yqrautaelidty.dreatceadl..gdae.cgaolv.g a1.g-8o5v5/-800-7747 Quality Rated is a tiered quality rating and improvement system used to assess improve and communicate the level of quality in early and school-age care and education programs.
Child Care Resources & Referral System (CCR&R)
htdtpe c/a/dl.egcaa.gl.ogva/.CgoCvS//CCCCSR/RCSCyRsRteSmys.atespmx.aspx CCRRS promotes quality early learning by supporting child care programs that are working towards a Quality Rated star rating.
All GA Kids
htatlplgs a/k/widws.wo.rqgu a8li7ty7c-AarLeLf-oGrcAh-iKldIDreSn.org/find-child-care Georgia s source for parents who are looking for quality child care throughout the state of Georgia
Ready4KGA
htwtposr d//sw2oreradds2inrge.acdoimng/.rceoamdy/r4ekagday 4Tkegxat/"GEORGIA" to 70138 Developed by educational researchers Ready4KGA is an evidence-based text messaging program for parents of newborns 1- 2- 3- 4- and 5-year-olds provided at no cost that are customized for Georgia.

EARLY HEAD START & HEAD START

(0 - 5 Years)

My family is low-income and I am pregnant or have a child under the age of 5
Apply directly to Early Head Start (EHS) / Head Start (HS) or get referred
by community health partners or public assistance agencies

Children in foster care or experiencing homelessness automatically
qualify

Child is age 0 - 3
Early Head Start

Child is age 3 - 5 Head Start

Child is checked for overall health including oral health mental
health and nutrition.

Child is screened to gauge developmental
behavioral motor language social cognitive
and emotional skills.

Based on these results

Yes

and family input was a

No

concern identified

EHS/HS facilitates further diagnostic testing evaluation
treatment and follow-up plan by
a licensed professional for each child with a health problem

CONTINUED SUPPORT AND ONGOING ASSESSMENT
Documentation of child s progress in order
to plan and individualize care for each child and identify any emerging concerns

RESOURCES
Early Head Start (EHS)
ghtetopr g//igaehoeargdisathaerta.dosrgtart.org/ 404-929-2457 or 404-651-7425
EHS is a federally funded program that provides intensive comprehensive child development and family support services to low-income infants and toddlers (ages 0 to 3) and their families and to pregnant women and their families. EHS is designed to nurture healthy attachments between parent and child (and child and caregiver). In Georgia EHS is managed by local non-profit community agencies. EHS programs include home- and/or center-based services and family child care services as part of the EHSHome Visiting program.
Head Start (HS)
hgtetopr g//igaehoeargdisathaerta.dosrgtart.org/ 404-929-2457 or 404-651-7425
Head Start a federally-funded program for low-income children ages 3 to 5 managed by by local non-profit community action agencies.
Both EHS and HS provide high-quality health oral health mental health nutrition services developmental screening and verify that the child
has a medical home provider
has health insurance coverage
is up-to-date on a schedule of age appropriate preventive and primary medical and oral health care
has had evidence-based vision and hearing screenings
has received a nutritional needs assessment including special dietary requirements food allergies and community nutrition issues
is receiving the necessary oral health preventive care treatment and follow-up including topical fluoride treatments
has access to any needed prescribed medications aids or equipment for medical and oral health conditions (assistance provided to parents or caregivers).
Read about the eligibility requirements for EHS and HS online ehcttlpkcs. o//hesc.lakccf.ohhs.agcofv.hhs.gov/

Emerging concerns or lack
of progress

GEORGIA S PRE-K
(4 years)

My child will be 4 years old on or before September 1st of this school year and I would like to
enroll him/her in a lottery-funded pre-K program

Find a Georgia s Pre-K program in your area and learn how to apply for a
spot by calling

Bright from the Start Georgia Department
of Early Care and Learning 1-888-4GA-PREK

All GA Kids Georgia s Source for Finding Quality
Child Care 1-877-ALL-GA-KIDS

Because participation in Georgia s Pre-K Program is voluntary for public schools and for private
child development centers there may not be enough spaces in
every community for all four year olds who wish to participate

If you cannot find a place for your child in a
Georgia s Pre-K program look for high
quality child care options in your area

My child has or may have
special needs

Contact your local school system see if your child should be placed in

Parent to Parent of Georgia

Preschool Special Education from Local
School System

RESOURCES
Preschool Special Education
goo.gl/UJBDNB 404-657-9954 http //www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Special-Education-Services/Pages/Preschool-Special-Education.aspx In Georgia preschool-age children (ages 3 to 5) with disabilities receive special education and/or related services through their local school districts (Part C under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA]). For more information contact your local school disctrict.
School-Age Special Education
goo.gl/TP6kaQ 404-656-3963 http //www.gadoe.org/Curriculum-Instruction-and-Assessment/Special-Education-Services/Pages/default.aspx Special education for school-age children is provided by local school districts in Georgia (Part B under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act [IDEA]). The Division for Special Education Services and Supports includes programs that support local school districts in their efforts to provide special education and related services to students with disabilities. These services focus on enhancing student achievement and post-secondary outcomes through implementation of regional and statewide activities for students families educators administrators and other stakeholders. For more information on special education in your area contact your local school disctrict.
Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency
hgtvtsp.sg e//ogrvgsia.g.geovrg ia8.4g4o-vF/OR-GVRA 844-367-4872 The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency operates five programs that help people with disabilities to become fully productive members of society by achieving independence and meaningful employment.
Department for Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities
hdttbphsd /d/.dgbehodrgdi.ag.egoorvgi a1.-g8o0v0/-436-7442 The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities provides treatment and support services to people with mental health challenges and substance use disorders and assists individuals who live with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
For more resources see the Mental Health & Crisis heading under section 5 Other Community-Based Resources and the National Websites page.

CHILDHOOD SPECIAL NEEDS
(0 - 21 Years)
I am concerned about my child s health or development or my child has been referred by a
doctor or other service provider

Child development
screening

Children 1st
Is your child eligible for additional services

Child social and emotional development
screening

Health and development screening with pediatrician or
specialist

Is your child

under 36

Yes

months

Yes

No

No
Referral to other services such as

Babies Can t Wait

Preschool Special
Education Contact Local School System

Home Visiting

No
Continued support and screening at pediatrician

Was a chronic medical condition
identified

Yes

Is your family

low income

No

Individual Family Service
Plan (IFSP) created to address child s development

Evaluate to determine eligibility for
Special Education and continue monitoring child s progress

If continued social
emotional services are
needed

child is younger than 4

Check for

Yes

eligibility for

Check for eligibility for

Katie Beckett /
TEFRA

After 36 months child will be referred to

For support contact Parent
to Parent of Georgia

child is 4 or older

Department for Behavioral Health &
Developmental Disabilities

Children s Medical Services

Resources for Children with Special Needs

Children 1st / Child Find
dhtpthp.sg e//odrpghia.g.geoovr/gciha.igldorve/nc1hsitld r4e0n41s-t657-2850 for referrals 855-707-8277
Children 1st is the entry point into all public health services for children birth to 5 years old and facilitates early identification of at-risk children. Children 1st implements Child Find (a federal program) using screenings and evaluation to locate identify and refer all young children with disabilities as early as possible.
Babies Can t Wait
dhtpthp.sg e//odrpghia.g.geoovr/gBiaa.bgioevs/-BCabnite-W s-Caiatnt-Wait
Babies Can t Wait provides early identification and screening for children ages 0 to 36 months. It coordinates a comprehensive system of services by developing an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) based on the specific needs of the child and their family. The services designed are delivered in the child s natural environment.
Parent to Parent of Georgia (P2PGA)
pht2tppg /a/.po2rpgg a1.-o8r0g0/-229-2038
P2PGA offers a variety of services to Georgia families impacted by disabilities or special healthcare needs. It also manages the Babies Can t Wait statewide directory of information and serves as the Parent Training Information Center for the southeast. Visit P2PGA s Roadmap to Success portal for useful links videos and other information hrtotpa d//mroaadpm.pap2.pp2gpag.ao.orrgg/
Children s Medical Services (CMS)
hdttpphs.g /e/doprghi.ag.egoorvg/iCaM.gSov /8C0M0S-300-9003
CMS works to ensure that there is a comprehensive system of quality specialty health care services available for children in low-income households with chronic medical conditions from birth to 21 years of age. Call the number above for a statewide directory of CMS programs.
Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities
ghtctdpds. o//rggc d8d8.o8r-g2/75-4233
GCDD promotes public policy that creates an integrated community life for persons with developmental disabilities by sharing information coordinating public outreach and implementing strategic legislative advocacy.

Georgia Advocacy Office
thhtetpg a//ot.hoergga o8.0or0g-/537-2329 GAO is a federally-mandated protection and advocacy system for people labeled as disabled or mentally ill in Georgia.
Georgia Tools for Life
ghatttpfl ./o/rggat f4l.o0r4g-/894-0541 Georgia Tools for Life Georgia s Assistive Technology Act Program is dedicated to increasing access and acquisition of assistive technology devices and services for Georgians of all ages and disabilities so they live learn work and play independently with greater freedom.
Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP)
hhtetpa l/t/hwfwowrc.heegaalt.chofomrc/eggeao.crogmia/-gpeeodrgiaiat-rpice-dpiarotrgicr-apmro-gcrhaimld-crehnildren/ GAPP serves children who are medically fragile and in need of skilled nursing care. The program provides services either in-home or in a medical day care as an alternative to full-time skilled nursing facility care or hospital care.
Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP) & New Options Waiver (NOW)
dhtcthp.sg e//odrcghia.g.geoovr/gwiaa.igvoevr/swaivers COMP and NOW are waiver programs that offer homeand community-based services for people with intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities.
Katie Beckett/TEFRA Medicaid Program
hdtctph.sg /e/odrcghi.ag.egorvg/itae.fgraov /6te7f8r-a248-7449 Katie Beckett provides benefits to certain children 18 years of age or less who qualify as disabled individuals and who live at home rather than in an institution regardless of family income.
Georgia Home Visiting Program
ghtrtepast s/t/awrtwgwe.ogrrgeiaat.ostragrt g1e-8o5rg5i-a7.0o7rg-8/277 The Georgia Home Visiting Program provides voluntary evidence-based home visiting services to at-risk pregnant women and parents with young children. The Maternal Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) Program (the program name on the federal level) provides voluntary culturally-appropriate individually-tailored supports to families in their homes including providing information about children s health and development and support services.

About
This map was created by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) one of Georgia s four health agencies serving the state s growing population of almost 10 million people. Responsible for a $15 billion budget in State Fiscal Year 2017 the department is one of the largest agencies in Georgia state government.
Serving as the lead agency for Medicaid and also overseeing the State Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) Healthcare Facility Regulation and Health Information Technology in Georgia DCH s programs provide access to health care services for one in four Georgians.
Through effective planning purchasing and oversight DCH provides access to affordable quality health care to millions of Georgians including some of the state s most vulnerable and underserved populations.
Five enterprise offices support the work of the agency s four programs with more than 600 DCH employees based in Atlanta Cordele and across the state.
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Georgia Department of Community Health
Main Office 404-656-4507 2 Peachtree Street NW Atlanta GA 30303
State Office of Rural Health 502 Seventh Street South Cordele GA 31015-1443