What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury is an injury caused by an external force, such as a blow to the head or penetration of the skull. You can’t always see a traumatic brain injury – that’s why it’s sometimes called “The Invisible Injury.” If your child, teen or young adult has a traumatic brain injury, he or she may have problems with headaches, balance, sleep, behavior, or thinking. He or she may also have sensory changes, like problems with smell, taste, or hearing.
Does your child, teen or young adult have a Traumatic Brain Injury or Spinal Cord Injury?
Finding your way through the system of care may be difficult. Family Resource Coordination can help you… • Learn about the injury. • Understand the treatment your family member needs. • Find services in your community. • Explore resources to help with payment. • Speak up for your family member and yourself.
What is a Spinal Cord Injury?
A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that results in a loss of your ability to move. The effects of a spinal cord injury depend on where in the spinal column it occurs. Some people with spinal cord injuries may have no sensation or voluntary movement below the level of the injury. Others can move some limbs but not others, or can feel parts of the body but not move them.
FAMILY RESOURCE COORDINATION IS PROVIDED BY:
PROGRAM SUPPORT AND BROCHURE PROVIDED BY:
ARIZONA GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL
ON SPINAL AND HEAD INJURIES
Documents in alternative format or other languages are available upon request to the Office for Children with Special Health Care Needs by calling (602) 542-1860 or 1-800-232-1676. (Ask for the OCSHCN program.) www.azdhs.gov/phs/ocshcn
When your child, teen or young adult is injured...
When a child, teen, or young adult experiences traumatic brain injury or a spinal cord injury, life can change quickly. Families often need some help finding their way through a complex system of care – hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, services at home, and at school. The Family Resource Coordination program can help. Family Resource Coordinators provide guidance and support as you help your child, teen or young adult learn to live with the challenges of his or her injury. We’re by your side, helping you gain the knowledge and skills to get what your family member needs.
Connection
Your Family Resource Coordinator will work with you to find assistance from people you feel comfortable with and programs that are right for you.
Coordination
It’s likely that your child and family will need some support from doctors, special education teachers, and other resources in your community. We can help you make sure that all of these people and programs are working together to help your family.
Our services are free.
Family Resource Coordination is available at no cost to eligible families. We serve families with children from birth through age 21. (Young adults must have been injured before age 18.) Some direct care services have financial eligibility criteria. Your Family Resource Coordinator can help you learn about funding sources and how to apply for assistance.
Knowledge
The most powerful tool to help your child or teen is knowledge. We can help you understand your child or teen’s injury and needs, and learn how to communicate that information to other important people in your life.
Advocacy
Speaking up for your child’s needs isn’t easy – but it’s an important part of making sure your family gets the services it needs. We can help you be an advocate for your child – and help your teen or young adult become an advocate for him or herself.