The Special Needs Network (SNN) is a California-based nonprofit that has worked with the Department since 2017 through the Access and Equity Grant Program. Their work has helped improve access to services for foster youth and their families within the regional center system in Los Angeles County.
Many foster youth who are not enrolled in managed care face delays in getting services and often have confusion about coverage. To help with this, SNN worked with Los Angeles County to create a referral program that connects families to the care they need more quickly. Through this program, trained SNN staff help families fill out the paperwork needed to get behavioral health treatment. The organization also has a center that offers other helpful programs, including early intervention services, free legal advice, family resource center, and job and skills training.
After years of advocacy, SNN helped create a new Medicaid benefit called Fee-for-Service Behavioral Health Treatment (FFS BHT). Starting July 1, 2025, this benefit will let foster youth access behavioral health services directly through Medi-Cal. The Department is proud to partner with SNN to support families with access to the care and services they need.