Our Mission

Mission & Community Needs:
The purpose of the Institute is the physical and communicational restoration of children born with various craniofacial anomalies (cleft lip/palate) to, as nearly as possible, normal status. An interdisciplinary team approach is an absolute necessity for diagnosing; determining the extent of physical involvement and degree of functional handicap; determining the services required and the timing and integration of these services; and to provide long term guidance and follow-up. These children are medically eligible and if the family income is within state guidelines, are eligible for Medical Assistance payment of clinical services.

The Institute is responsible for the operation and delivery of the Cleft Palate Clinic (Clinic) services. The Clinic is scheduled once monthly. The Team thoroughly examines for diagnostic and treatment purposes approximately fifteen children per month who present with various craniofacial anomalies. The Institute is also responsible for case-management (clinic patients direct/indirect) and assisting families in obtaining needed services. The Institute interfaces with numerous community resources in an effort to contribute to and assist in coordination of services. Hamot Medical Center has donated space in the Physical Rehabilitation Department for monthly clinics and for team consultations which immediately follow each clinic.