OPPORTUNITIES FOR OLDER CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH DISABILITIES THROUGH THE SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME PROGRAM

The revitalization of the Supplemental Security Income Program for low -income children with disabilities has important implications for stat e Title V programs for children with special health care needs. Histor ically, this program has focused primarily on recipients under the age of 7. The files of children between the ages of 7 and 16 referred to Children's Special Health Services, North Carolina's Title V children with special health care needs program from July to August 1991 were a nalyzed to determine whether there was documentation that children in this age group were receiving recommended services. Reports in the fil es indicated that most (n = 214, 77%) of the children's needs for spec ific services were being met. The utility of information that currentl y exists on older children and adolescents eligible for SSI for assist ing Title V children with special health care needs programs in coordi nating care is discussed.