The Foster Care Center of Excellence

The Foster Care Center of Excellence offers trauma informed primary care and consultations for children involved with the child welfare system.
Each visit at our clinic allows for the extra time needed to provide the best care and communication with children and their caregivers.

Primary Care:

  • Entry into care exams

  • Well-baby and well-child checkups for children (EPSDT) and immunizations

  • Medical care for acute illnesses

  • Continuing care for children after permanency has been established

  • Care for siblings of children involved in the child welfare system

  • 24-hour phone access to trained nurses for acute medical issues

  • Coordination and referral for specialty medical, dental and mental health services

  • Communication with child welfare and adoption caseworkers, court, schools, daycare providers, therapists and counselors

Consultations:

  • A one-time targeted medical and psychological evaluation for diagnostic clarification and treatment planning 

  • A thorough review of the child's history and records (court, medical, psychological, and school records),

  • Consultation for children with developmental, behavioral or medical concerns

  • Foster family counseling regarding behavioral and parenting concerns

  • Mental health consultation and coordination with community mental health agencies

  • Lab tests and vaccines as indicated

  • Communication with child welfare and adoption caseworkers, court, schools, daycare providers, therapists and counselors

  • Connection to an AHCC Care Manager to help coordinate referrals

What to expect from your consultation visit:

  • A typical evaluation visit lasts approximately 2-3 hours and will be with a pediatrician and a clinical psychologist

  • There will be a physical exam with the pediatrician and the remaining time is with the clinical psychologist for an interview portion (which may include caregiver input)

  • Screening for fetal alcohol syndrome (photos taken for software analysis)

  • After the evaluation, the care team will meet virtually for a telehealth appointment to discuss treatment recommendations

  • This appointment is typically 2-3 weeks after the first appointment and lasts for one hour

  • Anyone on the care team is invited to the planning meeting including the evaluating provider, social worker, foster parents, an AHCC Care Manager, and more depending on your specific needs

Kari Gillenwater, MD/MPH (Pediatrician)

Psych Provider (Coming Soon!)

Meet Our Team!

Dr. Gillenwater is a board certified pediatrician and holds a Master's degree in Public Health. In addition to her work with the Harborview Foster Care Clinic, she serves patients at UW Neighborhood Kent / Des Moines Clinic. She has extensive experience working with at-­risk and foster care youth, as well as performing child welfare evaluations in emergency care.  Dr. Gillenwater particularly enjoys partnering with caregivers to provide the highest quality care for her patients.

Contact Information: kari7@uw.edu

Melissa Cohen, RN, MSN (Nurse Coordinator)

Melissa Cohen joined the Harborview Foster Care team in January 2022.  She is a certified pediatric nurse who recently served as an RN-MHP on the Program for Assertive Community Treatment in King County and has also worked as a school nurse. Melissa is incredible with organization and with children of all ages -she is a valuable asset to the Foster Care clinic.

Contact Information: mecohen4@uw.edu