Emergency Care Planning for Children & Youth with Special Health Needs

Emergency care plans (ECPs) are important tools that families of children with special health needs can use to prepare for their children’s safety and wellbeing during health-related emergencies. Having a clear, practical plan in place can protect families if a parent or guardian becomes ill and must self-isolate or be hospitalized due to illness. Parents or guardians should write ECPs to provide information and instructions for substitute caregivers about the needs and strengths of their loved ones with special health needs so they can fill in as easily as possible.