Children entering foster care may or may not have had regular visits with their doctor and received childhood immunizations. Some children may have chronic medical problems that have not been identified or have gone unchecked.
Getting a physical exam within the first 30 days of the child entering foster care can help spot problems, start or complete immunizations the child may have missed, and answer any health questions the foster parent may have.
Studies show that children who have been removed from their homes and placed in foster care, even very young children, have higher than average rates of mental and behavioral health issues.
Getting a prompt mental health exam within 60 days of placement into foster care can help to identify signs of potential problems and give you tools to help your foster child understand and work through their feelings.
Often, children don't see a dentist until there's a problem. This can cause many problems including: pain, difficulty with chewing, and speech.
A prompt dental exam within 30 days of placement into foster care is important for spotting a problem early and/or preventing them from happening.
| Assessment Type | Due Date | Child's Age |
|---|---|---|
| Physical assessment | Within 30 days | All children regardless of age. |
| Mental assessment | Within 60 days | All children age 3 and up. Children age 0–2 by doctor recommendation. |
| Dental assessment | Within 30 days | All children age 1 and up. |
Join our Community Advisory Council! The Council is seeking IHN members like yourself (or parents of members) who are interested in impacting the health care of our members. Learn about the work of the Council and explore your options for getting involved.