Medical Providers of Children in Foster Care

​Resources

The Department of Health  wants to be sure that children placed in the foster care system are in optimal health. To meet this goal, the Department requires that all children receive a HealthCheck screen, a comprehensive well-child visit in accordance with the American Academy of Pediatrics' Bright Futuress standard of care, at the time of out-of-home placement. The HealthCheck screen identifies children with unmet health needs so they can receive appropriate diagnostic and/or treatment services in a timely, comprehensive manner.

Upon placement of a child in the foster care system, a HealthCheck Foster Care Liaison will contact the foster care home or agency and designated medical provider to assist with scheduling an appointment for the child. In accordance with the West Virginia Bureau for Children and Families Foster Care Policy, HealthCheck requests that the provider do the following:

• Perform the HealthCheck screen within 72 hours of placement.

• Schedule any necessary follow-up diagnostic and/or treatment service(s) or make direct referral(s) for such service(s).

• Document results on the HealthCheck Preventive Health Screen form (or equivalent documentation).

• Fax or mail a copy of child’s HealthCheck Preventive Health Screen form (or equivalent documentation) to the attention of the appropriate HealthCheck Foster Care Liaison. Make sure the form is dated; the name of the facility and/or clinician is printed on the form (or equivalent documentation), and the clinician’s signature is included.