Parent Navigator Program

The Parent Navigator Program seeks to inform, educate, support, and empower families of children and youth with special health care needs to be strong partners with providers in advocating for their child's medical, educational, and social well-being. Parent Navigators provide guidance and support to families about how to access services, work with providers, and manage the various aspects of special needs care giving. The program employs parents who themselves have children with special health care needs to provide these services. They assist by connecting families to resources such as educational information, childcare services, and appointment assistance, and also provide emotional support.

The program aims to provide ongoing comprehensive care coordination to children with medically complex and chronic conditions within Children's National health care system.

The program has provided navigational services to over 200 families residing in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia and has resolved over 550 issues from July 1, 2011 through June 30, 2012.