Passport Program (Foster Care Public Health Nurse Services)
What Is The Passport Program?
The Foster Care Passport Program is a statewide program in Washington. Snohomish Health District is funded by the
Children's Administration of the State of Washington to implement the Passport program in Snohomish County in
collaboration with Children's Administration caseworkers. The program compiles the health history of children in
foster care into an abbreviated health record called a Passport. The Passport includes information about medical
and dental exams, diagnoses, hospitalizations or surgeries, immunizations, allergies and medications- the information
needed by caseworkers, foster parents, parents, and health care providers to manage the child's health care needs
appropriately.
Why Is This Program Important?
Children in foster care have disproportionately high rates of physical, developmental, and mental health problems
and may arrive at their foster homes with unmet medical and mental health needs (American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP]
Policy Statement, Nov. 2000). Many foster children must move repeatedly to new foster homes. In addition, up to 35
percent of children reenter the foster care system after being returned to their family. Such moves usually mean that
the child also changes health care providers. As a result, available health information for these children is often
incomplete and spread across many different sites (AAP Policy Statement, Feb. 1994). The Foster Care Passport Program
was created to help answer this problem by providing continuity of information to minimize gaps in knowledge.
Who Is Eligible?
Children are eligible for the Passport Program if they are:
in out-of-home care for at least 90 days
in the custody of the Children's Administration of the State of Washington
Unfortunately, current funding levels do not allow for every foster child that meets the minimum eligibility criteria
to receive a passport. Children with identified health concerns are given priority.
How Is A Passport Made?
A public health nurse and health program assistant work together to compile a child's records from numerous places,
including health care providers, hospitals, clinics and dentists. These records are searched for any relevant health
care history. This information is entered into the computer and a Passport is created. The nurse recommends preventive
health care and follow-up care for identified health concerns. These recommendations accompany the Passport and a copy
is sent to the foster parent and the social worker. The foster parent is encouraged to take the Passport to all the
child's health care appointments.
Who Do I Call For Information About The Passport Program in Snohomish County?
To speak with a nurse in the Lynnwood or Sky Valley Office call (425) 673-3156
To speak with a nurse in the Everett or Smokey Point Office call (425) 339-1930
How Is The Passport Program Different From CHET Program?
The two programs differ in staff, scope and goals The Passport Program's nurse and program assistant compile a complete
history for a limited number of foster children. The CHET (Child Health and Education Tracking) program serves all
children in foster care and does not compile a complete history. Instead, a social worker assesses five domains
(developmental, educational, behavioral, social history and medical) to get children high quality care quickly. The goal
of the CHET program is to make sure every foster child receives a well-child check-up within 30 days of entering foster care.
Who Do I Call For Information About Becoming A Foster Parent?
Call the Children's Administration at (1-888) 794-1794 to find out more about becoming a foster parent.
Who Do I Call To Report Suspected Child Abuse Or Neglect?
Call (866) END-HARM or (866) 363-4276
If you would like further information or have questions, please contact your local Children's Administration office.
To find the location and phone number of your local office, click on the following link and then choose your county:
Children's Administration
Can I Help Even If I Can Not Be A Foster Parent?
The following are internet links that will provide you more information on how you can help a foster child through volunteering!
Heart Gallery - A DSHS sponsored site
that gives information on how to become a mentor for foster children.
KidsDream of Snohomish County - An organization
dedicated to fulfilling the dreams of abused and neglected children in Snohomish County by providing them with opportunities to
develop their skills, talents and self-esteem and to promote involvement by the entire community in helping children.
