Program Overview
The Health Care Program for Children in Foster Care (HCPCFC) is a public health program of the State of California/Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency. HCPCFC’s mission is to meet all the health needs of children and youth in foster care. All children and youth in foster care are covered by Medi-Cal. They can get medical exams once a year and dental exams two times a year.
Public Health Nurses work with foster parents, social workers, and probation officers to access health and dental care for youth in care. They can also support with:
- Coordinating health services in and out of Santa Cruz County and California
- Training foster-care team members
- Helping with the Health and Education Passport, a record required by law
If you would like more information about the Santa Cruz HCPCFC, please email a Public Health Nurse at hsahcpcfc@santacruzcountyca.gov.
Additional Resources and Links
Services & Eligibility
Services
California’s Medi-Cal insurance covers physical health, mental health, and dental services. Many medical and dental providers in Santa Cruz County accept Medi-Cal, and serve our foster care youth. All Santa Cruz safety net clinics accept Medi-Cal.
Eligibility
Any person aged between 0 to 21 years old who meets any of these categories:
- Youth in the juvenile system with a court for foster care placement
- Youth with a court order for foster care placement
- Youth on probation with a court order for foster care placement