Program Information
Special Start provides intensive case management and family support for up to three years, serving families with medically fragile infants. The program focuses on the psychosocial, health, and developmental needs of each child and family, helping them build a strong foundation during the critical early years. This collaborative program is a partnership between the Alameda County Public Health Department and UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. Together, we ensure families receive coordinated, compassionate care every step of the way.
Program Goals
- Support at-risk, medically fragile infants and their families.
- Address each child’s health, developmental, and social needs.
- Promote long-term health and developmental success.
Services
- Parent support and education.
- Registered Nurse case management.
- Health and developmental monitoring and intervention.
- Mental health support services.
- Coordination with medical specialties and other providers.
- Resources and referrals.
Eligibility
Families may qualify for Special Start if:
- Their infant was hospitalized in an Alameda County Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
- The infant has at least two medical and two social risk factors, identified through a screening and joint “rounds” process at major county NICUs.
- Infants are referred and assigned to the program through a collaborative triage process with UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland.
How to Enroll
Getting started is easy:
Complete the Confidential Referral Form online.
Have questions or need help with enrollment? Call (510) 667-4333 – our team is happy to assist you.
Contact Us
Special Start
Leah Sanchez, MPH, RN, PHN, FNP
Program Manager
Leah.Sanchez@acgov.org
(510) 618-2040
Alameda County Health, Public Health Department
1100 San Leandro Blvd., Suite 200
San Leandro, CA 94577