The increased demand for services at the Pediatric Development Specialty Center is evident in recent data, which shows a sharp rise in both patient visits and overall enrollment. From fiscal year 2021 to 2024, the number of visits increased from 572 to 2,712, while the number of individual patients jumped from 291 to 1,560. This substantial growth has led to strain on existing resources, creating waitlists that sometimes force families to wait as long as a month for an appointment. County Supervisor Susan Ellenberg noted the expansion is critical not just for easing wait times but also for delivering timely, equitable care to children who cannot afford delays in developmental support.
The Pediatric Development Specialty Center currently shares space with the SPARK clinic, which provides pediatric, dental, and behavioral health care to foster and at-risk youth. With the expansion, the total number of exam rooms across the clinics will grow to 15, allowing the facility to operate more efficiently and serve more patients. Open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the clinics serve some of the most vulnerable children in the county, including homeless youth and families living below the federal poverty level. In fact, data from the previous year shows that 116 children receiving care at these clinics lived at or below the poverty line, and the county anticipates another 28 homeless youths will be served this year.
These clinics fall under the umbrella of the Youth Center for Evaluation and Advocacy, a program established in 2022 by former County Executive Jeff Smith. The idea behind the center was to create a centralized hub where families in difficult circumstances could access a full spectrum of services in a single location. Ellenberg emphasized how the acquisition of O’Connor Hospital allowed the county to bring these services together, ultimately making it much more convenient for parents to secure care for their children without navigating multiple systems.
The expansion comes amid rising concerns about youth homelessness in Santa Clara County. Between 2022 and 2023, the county reported a 37 percent increase in homeless families, with the number rising from 898 to 1,226. Additionally, during the 2023-24 school year, more than 6,000 students from preschool through high school reported being homeless, according to state data. This trend underscores the urgent need for accessible health services tailored to at-risk populations.
Serena Sy, director of primary care operations for Santa Clara Valley Healthcare, explained that the decision to expand was driven by the sheer volume of need. Since its inception, the Pediatric Development Specialty Center has seen consistent growth in demand, leading to space limitations that impacted both patients and staff. By expanding into a new suite, the clinic can now better accommodate families and service providers, creating a more comfortable and functional environment for delivering care.
This expansion not only reflects the county’s ongoing commitment to health equity and community well-being but also illustrates the proactive measures being taken to address a rising tide of developmental health challenges among youth. By growing the clinic’s capacity and bringing services under one roof, Santa Clara County is providing a lifeline to families in need and helping ensure that all children, regardless of their circumstances, have access to the specialized care they deserve.
