The Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs is within the Bureau of Women’s and Children’s Health at the Arizona Department of Health Services. OCSHCN (sounds like ocean) works to promote and improve comprehensive systems of care for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN), their families, and the communities in which they live. CYSHCN are defined as those who are at risk for or have, a chronic physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional condition, and who require health and related services beyond those required by children generally. In Arizona, there are approximately 241,000 children with SHCN that includes but not limited to ADD/ADHD, life threatening allergies, brain or spinal injuries, cerebral palsy, sickle cell anemia or trait, intellectual disabilities, emotional/behavioral and metabolic conditions.
OCSHCN provides information and referral to families who would like assistance in finding the services available to their child/young adult; training to families and professionals on best practices related to medical home, cultural competence, transition to adulthood and family and youth involvement; and support telemedicine to provide services in remote areas of the state. Training topics include but not limited to: Breaking the Diagnosis, Health Care Organizer, Health Care Transition (pediatric to adult care), Navigating the System of Care, Communicating with Physicians, Diversity of Families (Kinship, Fathers, Military) and Disability Awareness & Sensitivity. OCSHCN oversees systems, programs and policies related to children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) and their families.  These responsibilities are carried out through contracts, education and training, health policy development, advocacy, evaluation and assessment activities, and public/private partnerships. 
OCSHCN strives to develop systems of care for CYSHCN and their families and communities that are integrated, coordinated, family-focused, comprehensive, timely and responsive, culturally competent, and directed toward allowing CYSHCN to achieve their fullest potential.
If you have a question about what we can offer you, your family or your organization, please do not hesitate to contact us. OCSHCN is located at 150 North 18th Avenue, #320, Phoenix, AZ 85007 and can be reached by phone at (602) 542-1860 / (800) 232-1676 / TDD (602) 256-7577 or by email at OCSHCN@azdhs.gov.  Information can also be obtained by visiting our website at www.azdhs.gov/phs/owch/ocshcn.