To apply for any of the following services, please click HERE.
The Children’s Special Services program supports children and youth with conditions that require support and services beyond those of their typically developing peers. Eligible conditions include developmental disabilities in addition to chronic health conditions. CSS staff consists of Registered Nurses and clerical support located in 12 DHS offices around the State of Arkansas.
CSS provides care coordination services (case management) to support families of children and youth in accessing community-based, family-centered, culturally sensitive services which will assist children with special health care needs to reach their maximum potential. Arkansas’ CSS program’s goals are:
- To assist families in accessing sufficient health care services
- To assist families with transition from pediatric to adult systems of care.
CSS serves children and youth from birth to age 21, with a long term physical or developmental condition. Some examples include:
- Asthma, Diabetes, Sickle Cell Anemia, Cystic Fibrosis, childhood cancers, and heart disease
- Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, and Autism Spectrum Disorders
- Hearing impairment and limited vision impairments
- Spina Bifida, Muscular Dystrophy and
- Many other health conditions
Learn more about CSS services here.
Case Management/Care Coordination
DDS Children’s Special Services provides case management/care coordination for children birth to 21 years of age. CSS Care Coordinators will provide individuals and their families with information about the array of services that are available in their community and assist with referrals and applications for those services.
Children’s Special Services Family Support/Respite Program
This Title V Program is available to SSI and TEFRA recipients under age 18 on a first come first served basis based on need and financial eligibility. With approval of the application, families are eligible for up to $2,000. Title V does not have a registry of certified respite providers.
Parent Advisory Council
The Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is a diverse group comprised of parent/guardians of children with special healthcare needs. The PAC advocates and educates families, government agencies, and healthcare professionals on issues that affect children with special healthcare needs. The PAC is an extension to DHS/DDS Children’s Special Services/Title V.
Each year, the PAC hosts an annual conference and Disability Resource Expo. See the agenda for the 13th Annual Family Bistro & Disability Resource Expo that will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2025 in Monticello, AR. We hope to see you there!
The PAC meets four times a year and provides input and guidance on issues related to the Children’s Special Services program staff.
- Parent Advisory Council Brochure
- Parent Advisory Council Health Care Transition Tip Sheets (Paginas de Informacion del Cuidado de Salud en Transicion)
Public Comment Page:
The Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant is open for public comment. Written comments on the Executive Summary for the 2027 Application/2025 Annual Report may be submitted from April 29, 2026, through June 1, 2026. The Title V Executive Summary can be viewed on the Arkansas Department of Health website at https://healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/community-family-child-health/family-health/maternal-child- health/needs-assessment-applications/public-comments-on-mch-application-summary/
The Public is invited to comment on the priorities and strategies in the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) 2027 Executive Summary. Stakeholder’s input ensures that the Title V program is responsive to the needs of Arkansas diverse population. Submit your comments on the MCH form through the link above.
The MCH stakeholder’s meeting is scheduled for Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Freeway Medical Tower, 5800 West 10th, Little Rock, Arkansas, Room 906. The meeting time is 10 am to 12 noon.