At Parent to Parent USA, we’re always looking for opportunities to contribute to initiatives that support families of children with disabilities or special health care needs. Recently, we had the chance to provide input as part of an American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) initiative to design a visual representation of an effective system of care.

This tool, developed in collaboration with families, pediatricians, and community partners, outlines the key elements needed to support infants, children, and their families during times of emerging public health threats. It highlights the importance of three core themes:

• Families as the driving force of care,
• Strong partnerships among community organizations, healthcare systems, and public health professionals, and
• Effective communication to connect families to the care and services they need.

We are excited to share this resource with our community, as it provides a clear framework for identifying gaps, addressing barriers, and improving access to care.

You can explore the system of care graphic and learn more about the project on the AAP website.