Division of Specialized Care for Children

Parents and caregivers of children with special healthcare needs should have a strong support system. The University of Illinois Chicago’s Division of Specialized Care for Children (DSCC) is here to coordinate that support.

DSCC is a statewide program that partners with Illinois families and communities to help children with special healthcare needs connect to the services and resources necessary to reach their full potential. Each state receives federal funds to improve the health of children and youth with special healthcare needs. DSCC has been the designated program for Illinois since 1937.

DSCC guides families through their child’s journey with a medical condition and works with doctors, schools and community groups to create a seamless support system. Our staff partners with families to develop a plan of care that addresses a child’s medical, social, behavioral, educational and financial needs. This process is called care coordination. It is free for all children with eligible medical conditions, regardless of their family’s income level.

We tailor our care coordination to each family’s unique needs and goals. Our care coordination can include finding specialized medical care, helping families understand their child’s diagnosis and medical treatment plan, explaining insurance benefits and attending school meetings. DSCC also helps medically fragile children remain in their family home rather than in a hospital or skilled nursing facility.

Our assistance empowers families to feel more confident and organized in the care of their child and become well-prepared for the transition to adulthood. For more information, visit https://dscc.uic.edu/.