LOCAL

New service connects Wisconsin children, youth with specific health needs with resources

Appleton Post-Crescent

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has launched Wisconsin Wayfinder, a free service that aims to connect families of children with specific health care needs or conditions with resources.

Wisconsinites can be connected via website or toll-free helpline to a children’s resource guide, who can help them access a variety of programs and resources specific to their needs. The service started Nov. 2.

“With the help of our skilled children’s resource guides, we believe this service will be a game-changer in guiding them to the help and resources they need,” Medicaid Director Jamie Kuhn said in a news release.

Here are answers to common questions about the new service:

Who can Wisconsin Wayfinder help?

DHS said Wisconsin Wayfinder specifically serves families and caregivers, health care providers and other professionals who care for children and youth from birth to age 21 who have delays, disabilities, specific health care needs or mental health conditions. According to a video explaining Wisconsin Wayfinder, about 235,000 children statewide have specific health care needs.

Wisconsin Wayfinder can help families at any part in their journey, whether to assess the resources available in the wake of an initial diagnosis or with specific inquiries as concerns arise.

How does it work?

Wisconsinites looking to use Wisconsin Wayfinder should call 877-947-2929 or fill out an online contact form, found at dhs.wi.gov/wiscway, to connect with a children’s resource guide. These guides are based at regional children’s resource centers, formerly known as Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Regional Centers.

The children's resource guide will then connect them to whatever resources or programs could best serve them. The regional structure allows the guides to direct them to local resources and programs, said Jennifer Miller of the DHS communications team.

“The Children’s Resource Network is a huge leap forward in ensuring that every family gets the help they need, regardless of how they reach out,” DHS Bureau of Children’s Services Director Deb Rathermel said in the news release. “Through Wisconsin Wayfinder, we aim to reassure, engage and empower families of children with special health care needs.”

What can Wisconsin Wayfinder help with?

As explained in another video announcing Wisconsin Wayfinder’s launch, children’s resource guides can help with specific questions, such as providing information about area therapy providers. They can also help with a range of other needs, including parental support, respite care, starting the process of getting individualized education supports and other services.

How is it funded?

Wisconsin Wayfinder is funded by American Rescue Plan Act dollars; about $4 million was devoted to the creation and launch of the service. These ARPA funds are projected to support Wisconsin Wayfinder through 2024. DHS will explore other funding sources to continue the service after that time.

Madison Lammert is a Report for America corps member who covers child care and early education in Wisconsin at The Post-Crescent. Contact her at mlammert@gannett.com or 920-993-7108. Follow on Twitter @MadisonLammert0.

You can directly support her work with a tax-deductible donation online at http://bit.ly/Appleton_RFA or by check made out to The GroundTruth Project with subject line Report for America Post Crescent Campaign. Address: The GroundTruth Project, Lockbox Services, 9450 SW Gemini Dr, PMB 46837, Beaverton, Oregon 97008-7105.