CMS Craniofacial/Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate Program

Through Children's Medical Services a network of cleft palate clinics and craniofacial centers has been approved for infants and children with cleft lip, cleft palate, and craniofacial anomalies who are sponsored by CMS. Private patients also have access to this system of interdisciplinary family-centered care throughout the state. All infants and children with craniofacial anomalies may be referred to a CMS cleft palate clinic or craniofacial center by their parent, private practitioner or other provider(s).

When an infant is born with cleft lip, cleft palate or craniofacial anomalies, the birth hospital staff and the parents receive individualized feeding instruction for the baby and educational materials (brochures, videos, etc.) while in the hospital. In addition they are informed about the services which are provided by CMS. The parents are offered an initial hearing screening for their newborn at the nearest infant hearing impairment center. For all infants and children with cleft lip, cleft palate, or other craniofacial anomalies the program staff arrange an initial, comprehensive evaluation by a CMS approved cleft palate clinical team at no cost to the family. The most complex children may be referred for further evaluation by a CMS approved craniofacial center team when requested by the Cleft Palate Team Director or CMS Medical Director.

For more information please contact your local CMS office: CMSN Statewide Offices Information Listing CMSN contact list

Craniofacial/Cleft Lip & Cleft Palate Related links: Cleft Palate Foundation American Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association Florida Cleft Palate-Craniofacial Association Wide Smiles: Cleft Lip and Palate Resource