California Children’s Services (CCS) is a program supported through a combination of funds from Federal, State General, and counties including the Medi-Cal program. Many medical conditions that are physically disabling are eligible for benefits under the California Children's Services (CCS) Program. This tax-supported program provides specialized medical care and rehabilitation for children whose families cannot provide all or part of the care.

  • Diagnostic Evaluations - Children whose family doctor has documentation to support the suspicion of having one of the CCS eligible medical conditions are eligible for free diagnostic services.
  • Treatment Services for a CCS-eligible medical condition include medical, dental, surgical care, pharmaceuticals, physical and occupational therapy, laboratory tests, X-rays, appliances, equipment, and other needed services.
  • Physical and Occupational Therapy - Therapy is provided in medical therapy units located in public schools to children who have a medical need for these treatment services. These CCS services do not require financial eligibility.
  • Medical Case Coordination - CCS provides referrals to medical specialists and centers; follow up with others involved with the care of the child such as schools, public health / school nurses, social workers, and other agencies; transferring medical records; locating new facilities and services when families move; and assisting the family to cope with the child's condition.
  • CCS Benefits - Transportation, lodging and meals are included as CCS benefits if you can’t afford them and no other resources are available. An example would be if the kind of special medical treatment your child may need might not be available near your home. Travel expenses out of county may include mileage, transportation, meal vouchers and hotel accommodations.

The program is available to anyone who:

  • Is under 21 years of age.
  • Is a California resident.
  • Has a medical condition that is eligible for care under CCS
  • Family income is less than $40,000 a year (state adjusted gross income)

A child whose family’s income is over $40,000 may still be eligible if:

  • An individual whose family has a higher income may receive services if the estimated out of pocket cost of medical care in 1 year is expected to exceed 20% of income. There is no financial eligibility required for diagnostic services, medical therapy programs, and high-risk infant follow up.

As of July 2018, Santa Cruz CCS implemented Whole Child Model (WCM) with Central California Alliance for Health. As of January 2024, Santa Cruz CCS also implemented WCM with Kaiser.

Visit the California Department of Health Care Services’ website for additional information about the CCS program.

To apply, call CCS at (831)763-8000 to have an application mailed to you. You can also download and print the CCS Application packet.  Please mail your completed application to Santa Cruz County CCS Office, PO Box 962, Santa Cruz, CA 95061. We also accept applications by fax (831) 763-8410 and email HSACCSReferrals@santacruzcountyca.gov.

  • Referrals can be submitted by any agency involved with the child's care including physicians, hospitals, nurses, school districts, regional center or the client or family directly.
  • A referral must include appropriate medical reports to confirm the medical condition, a service authorization request that specifies what services are being requested from CCS, and a signed program application.
  • Referral documents should be sent to Santa Cruz County CCS Office by fax (831) 763-8410 or emai:l HSACCSReferrals@santacruzcountyca.gov.

Youth with chronic medical conditions and disabilities must prepare for changes as they get older, particularly with regards to navigating the adult healthcare system. Upon their 21st birthday, young adults can no longer access CCS services. As clients turn 17 and 20, CCS will assist in transition planning. It is important to include the client, family, medical providers, health insurance company, and any community partners such as Regional Center, rehabilitation counselor, school counselor, and IHSS case worker in transition planning.

California Children’s Services (CCS) Medical Therapy Program (MTP) provides Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy to children with eligible medical conditions.

Some of the conditions that qualify a child to receive CCS MTP services include, but are not limited to: cerebral palsy, spina bifida, muscular dystrophy, rheumatoid arthritis, spinal cord injuries, arthrogryposis and osteogenesis imperfecta.

There is no financial eligibility for MTP services. Every child with a medically eligible condition is eligible for the program, regardless of their family income.

For more information about eligibility for the MTP, call the Santa Cruz County CCS Office at 831-763-8000 or visit the state CCS website.

How to Apply for Medical Therapy Program (MTP)

If you think your child may be eligible for therapy services through the MTP, please call the CCS administrative office at 831-763-8000 to request an application.  You can also download and print the CCS Application packet and mail it to:

California Children’s Services 
PO Box 962  
Santa Cruz, CA 95061.

We also accept applications by fax (831) 763-8410 and email HSACCSReferrals@santacruzcountyca.gov.