The Division for Children & Youth with Special Health Needs toll free statewide Community Support Line provides information, technical assistance and resources for families with children and youth with special health needs and the providers serving these families.
Resource Specialists inform families about all of the public programs they may be eligible for, and about the state and community-based resources that may provide assistance. They answer questions, do a thorough assessment of family needs and eligibility for services and benefits and provide training to families and providers.
Contact a resource specialist
Resource Specialists provide information and assistance about and eligibility for a broad range of programs including:
- Services for Children and Youth with Special Health Needs
- Public benefits (SSI, CommonHealth, MassHealth, etc.)
- Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund
- Hearing Aid Program for Infants and Children
- Care Coordination services
- Family-to-family supports
- Community-based services
- Other programs within the Department of Public Health, or other state agencies (Department of Developmental Services, Department of Mental Health, MA Commission for the Blind, MA Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, MA Rehabilitation Commission and others)
Families and providers are welcome to call the Community Support Line for assistance. The Resource Specialists' goal is to help answer specific questions and requests, as well as to ensure that families are informed about all the public programs they may be eligible for, and community resources that might provide additional assistance. Resource Specialists are available for follow-up assistance with families, and often have multiple contacts with a family.
For more information about the Community Support Line, please email specialhealthneeds@mass.gov in your preferred language. We will reply within 1-2 days, with an interpreter if needed. Please include your phone number and the best times to call you. Please do not email any private information or documents.
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Learn more about Division for Children & Youth with Special Health Needs.