Washington State Dept of Health

Child and Adolescent Health (CAH) focuses on health concerns that affect children and youth, ages birth to 21 years old.

CAH provides services and resources for children, adolescents, and their families; as well as for local health-care providers and community-based organizations. Areas we address include:

Child and Adolescent Health Programs and Topics

	Abstinence Education The Abstinence Education Program supports community projects and educational media to reduce teen pregnancy in Washington State.
	Adolescent Needs Assessment This report provides information on the health of Washington adolescents
	Age of Consent This "Teen Health Fact Sheet" provides information regarding statutes that are associated with minors who may consent to certain types of health care.
	Child Abuse Prevention The DOH supports the Washington Council for the Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect, and coordinates the work of agencies statewide.
	Children's Mental Health in Washington State A Public Health Perspective Needs Assessment, March 2006, Data Revised November 2007.
	Coordinated School Health This program works in partnership with schools, state agencies, and community resources to provide healthy and safe school environments.
	Family Support Initiative Actively engaged in the nation's Family Support Movement, the Family Support Initiative supports Parenting Leadership programs in Washington communities.
	Healthy Child Care Washington Families and professional caregivers of young children find the support they need through our network of Child-Care Health Consultants.
	School Based Health Centers Eleven Communities receive planning grants for School Based Health Center!
	Sexuality Education View the January 2005 DOH-OSPI Guidelines for Sexual Health Information and Disease Prevention. Frequently Asked Questions regarding the Healthy Youth Act.
	Teen Health Fact Sheets Addressing the key issues that adolescents face, Teen Health Fact Sheets provide information that families, health providers, and teens can use.
	Youth Development The Youth Development program's goal is to decrease the incidence of teen pregnancies in communities with high teen pregnancy rates.

Helpful Links
Links to external resources are provided as a public service and do not imply endorsement by the Washington State Department of Health.

The State Board of Health serves the citizens of Washington by working to understand and prevent disease across the entire population. Established in 1889 by the State Constitution, the Board provides leadership by suggesting public health policies and actions, by regulating certain activities, and by providing a public forum. The governor appoints ten members who fill three-year terms.

Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is the state agency charged with overseeing K-12 education in Washington State. OSPI works with 296 school districts to administer education programs and implement education reform.

Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) is a state agency which provides services such as Medicaid, drug and alcohol prevention and treatment, mental health services and services for children and families.