A big part of the LCCS mission to “lead the community in the protection of children” is keeping kids healthy.
That responsibility falls to the LCCS Health Services team, which actively works with caregivers, caseworkers, medical providers, and partners to ensure that the children involved with the agency are healthy and happy.
LCCS maintains a health clinic at its downtown Toledo offices, staffed by nurses who ensure that the children’s medical needs are met. They conduct health screenings, coordinate medical care, screen for signs of abuse or neglect, and provide education to caregivers to ensure that they know how to keep kids in good health, whether they are in foster care, kinship care, or with their birth families. “Often, it’s as simple as guidance on infection control protocols to prevent the spread of illness,” explains Charisse Madison, R.N., LCCS health services supervisor.
“The nurses collaborate with providers to address any deficits in health care, making sure that follow-up tests or procedures are completed, and if a child is taking multiple medications, there are no conflicting prescriptions. Should a child change placement, the nurses make sure that their prescriptions follow along,” Nurse Madison adds. That is of particular concern for children who have experienced trauma or who may have more complex medical needs. There may also be mental health concerns, developmental delays, and lack of routine treatment to overcome, as well.
LCCS nurses also stress the importance of dental and vision health, and work to ensure that children receiving services see the dentist and eye doctor regularly.
LCCS collaborates with the greater community to bring health services closer to the children and families the agency serves. The agency works with ProMedica Russell J. Ebeid Children’s Hospital to bring its mobile care unit to locations closer to the neighborhoods where more LCCS clients live.
“The mobile clinic reduces barriers that our client families face, like access and transportation. These clinics are held just for children on LCCS caseload in centralized locations and transportation is provided if needed,” explains Nurse Madison.
Clinic nurses have one final piece of advice for parents and caregivers when it comes to the health and well-being of all children.
“If you have any health concerns or even just a health-related question, please don’t hesitate to reach out. It is always best to be proactive when it comes to matters of health,” advises Nurse Madison.