Pediatric Services for Foster Care Children

Lighthouse Foster Clinic (LFC) at Billings Clinic Pediatrics is a dedicated medical home for children in foster care that is compassionate, accessible, and child and family centered. It was developed and launched at Billings Clinic Pediatrics in 2021. Dr. Matt McDonald, MD is the medical director for the clinic.

What is a dedicated medical home for foster children?

Children in foster care benefit from a specialized medical model and clinical experience. A dedicated medical home for children in foster care practices trauma-informed care and becomes the child's persistent primary care location, regardless of multiple foster placements. This creates continuity in care and additional benefits, including:

• Accessible appointments are reserved for children in foster care on a weekly basis, which means that foster children do not have to wait months to be seen for a medical visit.
• Care coordination of needs (e.g., subspecialty and therapeutic referrals, dental, vision, community support)
• Streamlined access to community providers who have partnered with our clinic.

The Lighthouse Foster Clinic Team

Our collaborative team is led by Matt McDonald, MD, FAAP. Dr. McDonald is a physician on our general pediatrics team and a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Foster Care, Adoption and Kinship Care. His primary career focus is improving the health of children in foster care. Our team also includes a pediatric social worker, a pediatric care manager, and our dedicated pediatric nurse Carrie Gleason, RN.

How is the Lighthouse Foster Clinic Structured?

LFC occurs on a weekly basis at Billings Clinic Pediatrics Downtown location. Each visit involves an extended physician visit, a meeting with the LFC pediatric social worker, and a meeting with the LFC pediatric care manager, when needed. Following the visit, a clinic visit summary can be drafted and emailed to foster parents as well as assigned child protection specialists/case workers. This helps foster parents and case workers stay on the same page regarding the medical management of children in their care.

Questions about Lighthouse Foster Clinic at Billings Clinic?

To request a child be scheduled in LFC, or to learn more or connect with our team, call Billings Clinic Pediatrics and ask to speak with a member of the Lighthouse Foster Clinic team, or email us at lfc@billingsclinic.org. If your child has already established as a patient in LFC and you have questions or needs, please contact the LFC social worker at the phone number provided at your first visit.

Make a Donation to Support Lighthouse Foster Clinic