The Impact of COVID-19 on Systems of Care for Children and Youth With Special Health Care Needs

Introduction: This article describes the challenges and opportuni-ties that the COVID-19 pandemic presented for providing and coordinating care for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) who rely on a diverse array of systems to pro-mote their health, education, and well-being.Method: Peer-reviewed published literature and reports from the national government and nonprofit organizations that advocate for CYSHCN were examined, particularly concerning systems that impacted CYSHCN during COVID-19.Results: Pre-COVID-19, CYSHCN and their families faced chal-lenges accessing and coordinating care across diverse systems. COVID-19 exacerbated these challenges because of disruptions in care and services that negatively impacted CYSHCN. COVID-19 also highlighted opportunities for positive change and care innovations.Discussion: Understanding the systems of care that CYSHCN rely on and the effects of COVID-19 on these systems can enhance access to and quality of care. Recommendations are made for prac-tice, leadership, research, and policy. J Pediatr Health Care. (2023) 37, 106-116