Family Services at The Children’s Hospital

For kids, a stay in the hospital can be frightening, and often they're comforted by one thing only: their families. At The Children's Hospital, our staff recognizes that families are our partners in care, which is why we are committed to providing family-centered care.

"Because parents know their children best, we've made the family an integral part of our healthcare team," said Kathleen Reeves, MS, LPC, director of family services for The Children's Hospital. "By making the hospital family-friendly, we're making it easier for parents and siblings to be involved in the day-to-day medical, emotional and social needs of their child."

Our family services team is here to help make your family's visit to The Children's Hospital the best it can be. Members of our team include:

Patient Representatives

Patient Representatives are a specially trained group of volunteers available to help advocate on behalf of your child. They can help you talk with hospital staff, listen to your concerns and bring them to the attention of others when necessary. Learn more about how our Patient Representatives can help you during your visit.

Social Workers

Clinical social workers give emotional support to families and children in crisis or during a long hospital stay. They assist with problems associated with health-care issues, including financial pressures. You may request the involvement of a clinical social worker at any time during your child’s stay.

Therapeutic Recreation/Child Life 

The Therapeutic Recreation/Child Life program is staffed by specialists who help patients and families adjust and cope with the hospital or clinic setting, illness or injury and the treatments involved. Specialists have training in ways to use play, recreation and educational techniques to assist children and families. Therapeutic Recreation/Child Life services are available to patients at The Children’s Hospital at no extra charge.

Medical Interpreters

The Children’s Hospital offers interpretation services to patient families who do not speak English or who are deaf or hard of hearing. Our interpreters help ensure that patient families understand their child’s care and medical circumstances. Please ask your child’s nurse about this service.

Chaplain and Pastoral Care

The Pastoral Care Department and nondenominational chapel are located on the first floor off of the main lobby. Patients and families can meet with a pastor for counseling and spiritual support. They can help with difficult questions involving ethical principles, religious or cultural beliefs.

Bereavement Services

The Colors of Healing is a family-centered bereavement program that offers you and your family an opportunity to learn about the wide range of feelings and emotions associated with grief. Bereavement Services provides a variety of programs for you and your family throughout the year, including an annual conference, support groups, reflection services and information on grief resources available.