Cook Children's Fostering Health

Children entering the foster care system often have specialized health care needs. Through Cook Children's Fostering Health program, these children receive timely and thorough medical care.

Our team follows the American Academy of Pediatrics' health care recommendations to provide a health screening within three business days and a well-child checkup within 30 days of the child coming into foster care. During these visits, our team assesses behavioral, developmental and medical health care needs. We provide care coordination between medical, dental and mental health providers, as well as connecting to community resources. We support the child and whole family during this transition. We act as a continued resource for the children, the foster and biological parents/family.

At Cook Children's, taking care of kids means including the whole family. Our providers will take the time to listen to you and your child, answer questions and help you navigate parenthood. Email fosteringhealthprogram@cookchildrens.org for general questions, (not for appointment scheduling).

Nurse practitioners

• Brittany Schoonover, MSN, APRN, CPNP-PC
• Elizabeth Popeck, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC

Fostering Health social worker

• Lauren O'Leary, LMSW

Medical assistant

• Jackie Herrera, MA

Clinic nurse

• Lori Day, LVN

Office coordinator

• Jess Escamilla

Therapy dog

• Kitty, Sit…Stay….Play therapy dog and comfort specialist

The services we provide include:

• Provide sick and well-child visits
• Communicate with the Department of Family Protective Services (DFPS) and child placement agencies
• Coordinate care between caregivers and primary care physicians, specialists, therapists and behavioral health
• Help establish a primary care medical home

Trusted expertise: Our doctors are board-certified, which means they are trained and experienced in caring for infants, young children and teens. From the moment you contact us, you'll experience our deep commitment to your family. 

Timely care: Same-day appointments are available for your child's pressing needs. We also offer virtual video visits for certain appointments and can answer your questions by phone. If your child needs help after hours, Cook Children's offers a growing number of urgent care locations.

Coordinated specialty services: If your child has a more complex medical need, we can refer you to nationally recognized specialists in the Cook Children's network. We partner with more than 60 specialty clinics to ensure every child gets the care they need.

Caregivers, the DFPS representatives and child placement agencies can call the Fostering Health Program at 682-303-6800.