CaCoon
About the Programs
CaCoon is a care coordination program for families that have children with special health needs. CaCoon's goal is to help you and your family learn new skills to become as independent as possible in caring for your child. The program is a cooperative effort between families and health care providers. This program can help:
- Coordination of services, such as between local providers and families
- Find important care services as close to your home as possible
- Give support in times of stress and crisis
- Identify developmental problems early
- Monitoring of development
- Parents find resources to meet needs
- Provide medical and legal information about your child's condition
- Screen children who are at risk and monitor their progress
- Teach special techniques for caring for your child
Eligibility
CaCoon serves families with children birth - 21 years of age who have complex medical conditions which result in special medical, educational, vocational and social needs. For children age six and over (who are not eligible for CaCoon), the Child Development and Rehabilitation Center (CDRC) provides comprehensive services through special clinics around the state and limited financial assistance for approved medical care.
Services may relate to:
- Cerebral palsy
- Chronic lung disease
- Chronic orthopedic problems
- Cleft lip and/or palate
- Genetic disorders
- Hydrocephalus
- Heart disease
- Metabolic disorders
- Motor dysfunction requiring special feeding programs
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Spina bifida
- Spinal cord injuries
Where to Get Help
CaCoon is sponsored by CDRC at Oregon Health Sciences University. If you need assistance through CaCoon, please contact your local care coordinator or call CDRC at these toll free telephone numbers:
- 1-800-637-0700 (Eugene)
- 1-800-452-3563 (Portland)
Raising a child with special health care needs can be challenging and rewarding. It also can be confusing and exhausting -- for the whole family. You and your family may need the services of many different professionals and agencies.
You may have to travel away from home for specialized health care. Sometimes you just may need to talk to someone who has been in your shoes and understands what you are going through.