Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs
The Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs (CYSHCN) Program connects families to health services and community resources for children and young adults with special needs.
Services are provided at no cost, and referrals are to no- or low-cost programs. All services are provided regardless of immigration status. Services are available in your language through staff or an interpreter.
The CYSHCN program serves children and young adults who:
- Are age 21 or younger
- Reside in New York City
- Have been diagnosed with or may have:
- A serious or chronic health condition or disability
- A physical condition
- A developmental or intellectual condition
- An emotional or behavioral condition
Contact Us
For more information on services, contact:
- Phone: 347-396-4600
- Email: cyshcn@health.nyc.gov
- Fill out the program referral form
Upcoming Events
CYSHCN Annual Forum
Returning to school can be challenging, especially for families navigating complex health needs. Join us to replace back-to-school jitters with a clear plan for safety, inclusion, and academic success. This forum will bring together families, providers, and community partners from across New York City to highlight practical tools, school‑related supports, and community resources for children and youth with special health care needs.
- Wednesday, August 19, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- In-person: 42-09 28th St., Room 3-32, Queens
- Virtual: Register on Zoom
Closed captioning will be provided for webinars.
Event Videos
View recordings from past events and forums:
- Current Controversies in Autism: Causes, Treatments, and the Neurodiversity Perspective (April 30)
- Engage, Regulate, and Connect: Relationship-Based Tools for Supporting Challenging Behaviors (April 16)
- It Takes a Village to Help Children Reach Their Full Potential (March 19)
- Stares, Glares, and Hurtful Words: What To Do! (March 5)
- Navigating the Transitional Journey from Pediatrics to Adult Care and Beyond for Those with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (February 19)
- Passcode: %2u7Vhi$
- Understanding Your Child’s Individualized Education Program in Spanish (February 4)
- Passcode: @#J^4DBJ
- Courageous Parent Network: Resources for Those Caring for Children with Medical Complexity (January 22)
- Passcode: S!T=43e6
- CYSHCN at Springfield #1 Pre-K Center 29Q387 (January 13)
- Holiday Safety & Adaptation Strategies for Families (December 19)
- Promoting Health Insurance for All New Yorkers (December 18)
- Autism Acceptance Month Forum (April 4)
- Caregiver Resource Forum (May 9)
Additional Resources
- Children And Youth With Special Health Care Needs Program Brochure (PDF)
Other Languages: Español | Русский | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Kreyòl ayisyen | বাংলা | اردو - Community Partner Letter (PDF)
Other Languages: Español | Русский | 繁體中文 | 简体中文 | Kreyòl ayisyen | বাংলা | اردو - New York State Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Program
- New York State Office for People With Developmental Disabilities: Front Door
- Parent to Parent of NYS