California Children's Services Helping to Keep Your Child Healthy

What is California Children's Services?

California Children Services (CCS) is a state program that can help your child get special medical care. Your child may be eligible for CCS services, if he or she has a physical problem or serious illness.

Some of the problems CCS can help your child with are:

• cleft palate


• cancer


• lung disease


• premature babies


• cerebral palsy


• birth defects

What does CCS provide?

There are many services your child can receive through CCS. They will pay for tests needed to find out about health problems, special medical items or drugs. They will often cover the cost of physical and occupational therapies. The care must be approved by CCS in order for CCS to pay for these services.

Who Qualifies for CCS Services?

Your child can receive CCS services if he/she is under 21 and has a medical problem covered by CCS. If your child has a condition that requires frequent medical care or a medical condition involving the nerves, bones, or muscles, CCS may cover the costs for care. There are some financial criteria which must be met in order to be eligible for hospital coverage.

However, the CCS Medical Therapy Unit will cover physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and developmental assessment regardless of income.

How do Children Receive CCS Care?

Anyone can refer a child to CCS (parents, teachers, doctors, social workers, case managers). You can call or mail the referral form to the county office of CCS with your child’s medical records. However, only a CCS doctor can give care to a child for a CCS-covered diagnosis. Ask your doctor for a referral form if you need one.

Social workers and case managers in CPMC's Outcomes Management department are able to assist you with the CCS application process and can help you understand CCS. Please let your pediatric team know if you would like to speak with someone about this.

If you have questions about CCS you can ask any member of your pediatric team or you can also call your local CCS office. California Children's Services County Offices.

CCS can help you get care for your child at no cost to you.

California Pacific Medical Center

Pediatric Specialty Services

Specialty pediatric services at CPMC in San Francisco feature some of the top-rated pediatric physician specialists in the San Francisco Bay Area and northern California. We deliver family-centered care to babies, young children, adolescents, and children through age 18 using the most advanced diagnostic and treatment options available. We are located in San Francisco and serve the San Francisco bay area, Marin, Sonoma, Napa, and all of Northern California.