Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care (HCPCFC)

Sierra County Public Health provides public health nurse case management services to children and youth in foster care through the Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care (HCPCFC). The program ensures that children in foster care receive timely, coordinated, and comprehensive preventive and primary health care services.

Public Health nurses work closely with child welfare services, healthcare providers, and caregivers to monitor the health and developmental needs for children in the foster care system.

Program Overview

The Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care (HCPCFC) is a public health nursing program that supports the health and well-being of children and youth in foster care. The program is administered by Sierra County Public Health and ensures that children in foster care receive timely, coordinated and appropriate healthcare services.

Who is Eligible?

All children and youth in the foster care system in Sierra County are eligible for HCPCFC services, including those placed in out-of-home care, group homes, or relative/non-relative caregiver homes.

What does HCPCFC Do?

Public Health Nurses (PHNs) in the HCPCFC program:

  • Monitor the health status and medical needs of foster children
  • Review medical, dental, mental health, and developmental records
  • Coordinate with Child Welfare Services (CWS), caregivers, and medical providers
  • Ensure timely completion of required health screenings (e.g., Initial Health Assessments)
  • Promote trauma-informed care and continuity of care
  • Help track immunizations and referrals to specialty care

HCPCFC nurses serve as liaisons between social workers, caregivers, and the medical system to ensure children in foster care receive comprehensive, continuous, and coordinated care.

Initial and Periodic Health Assessments

California law requires that all children entering foster care receive an Initial Health Assessment (IHA) within 30 days of placement. HCPCFC nurses help schedule and follow up on IHAs and Periodic Health Assessments (PHAs), ensuring children stay on track with their healthcare needs.