CommUnityCare Health Centers Strengthens Support for Foster Families, Earns Foster Care Center of Excellence Designation
Children and youth in foster care often face unique challenges that can affect their health, including frequent placement changes, gaps in care, unmet behavioral health needs and trauma. To help address those needs, CommUnityCare Health Centers is launching its Foster Care Center of Excellence program, expanding specialized services and support for children, youth and caregivers involved in the foster care system across Central Texas.
Building on its longstanding commitment to providing care for everyone who needs it, CommUnityCare Health Centers is enhancing care coordination, behavioral health services and caregiver support while expanding access to specialized, trauma-informed care. The program follows the organization’s designation as a Foster Care Center of Excellence (FCCOE) by Superior HealthPlan, recognizing CommUnityCare Health Centers as one of the first health care providers in the Austin area to meet rigorous standards for serving children and youth enrolled in the STAR Health Medicaid program.
“Every child deserves access to healthcare that is compassionate, consistent, and responsive to their unique needs—that’s why CommUnityCare has long served children and youth in foster care as a trusted home for care,” said Dr. Nicholas Yagoda, CEO of CommUnityCare Health Centers. “The FCCOE designation helps us spread the word so we can reach more foster parents looking for wraparound services and more partners looking for a team that’s growing to better meet the needs of the youth we support.”
In Texas, children and youth in foster care receive Medicaid coverage through STAR Health, a program administered by Superior HealthPlan. The Foster Care Center of Excellence designation recognizes healthcare organizations that meet rigorous standards for quality improvement, care coordination, program infrastructure, and staff training to support the medical, behavioral health, and social needs of children and youth in foster care.
These children and youth often experience circumstances that can make it more difficult to maintain continuity of care and achieve positive health outcomes. As a Foster Care Center of Excellence, CommUnityCareHealth Centers provides a medical home for STAR Health members, offering primary care, behavioral health, dental, pharmacy, and care management services. The program is designed to make it easier for caregivers, caseworkers, and community partners to connect children and youth with timely, comprehensive care.
“CommUnityCare has a long history of serving Central Texans and we are proud to welcome them as a Foster Care Center of Excellence,” said Mitch Wasden, President and CEO of Superior HealthPlan. “We want to ensure children and youth in foster care, as well as their caregivers, have access to comprehensive, high-quality health care. This partnership will help expand access to trusted providers and further our shared commitment to strengthening health outcomes and expanding access to care.”
The designation also reflects CommUnityCare Health Centers’ commitment to strengthening support for foster care patients and caregivers. By expanding care coordination and building stronger partnerships throughout the community, CommUnityCare is working to improve continuity of care and health outcomes for children and youth involved in the foster care system. CommUnityCare Health Centers is proud to be one of 14 providers statewide recognized as a Foster Care Center of Excellence by Superior HealthPlan.
Kickoff Celebration Photo Gallery
Take a look at highlights from the CommUnityCare Health Centers Foster Care Center of Excellence Kickoff Event, where team members, community partners, and community members came together to celebrate this important milestone and our shared commitment to improving care for children and youth in foster care across Central Texas.
