Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs Respite and Extended Services Program

The Connecticut Department of Public Health is soliciting proposals for a single organization to administer a statewide program focused on supporting caregivers of children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN). This program aims to supplement existing services by providing information and assistance with accessing and funding respite services, extended services, and other support services. Additionally, the program will assist caregivers in enrolling CYSHCN in the CT Medical Home Initiative (CHMI) Program and obtaining health insurance for them. The selected organization will be responsible for processing applications for respite and extended services, determining eligibility, and distributing funds. They will also provide information on support services, assist with CHMI program enrollment, and help families obtain health insurance. The program will involve maintaining a website, disseminating information via email, and participating in community events. The contract is anticipated to begin on July 1, 2026, and will have an initial term of three years with two one-year extensions, subject to funding availability and satisfactory performance. A total of up to $2,057,765 is available for this contract.