About Family and Child Life Programs
The goal of each Child Life department is to promote positive experiences for patients while maintaining developmental and normal living patterns for those with extended hospital stays. Child Life specialists are trained to help young patients cope with challenges through play, preparation, and activity. Beyond helping patients themselves, Child Life specialists work with siblings and parents in coping with the situation and in answering tough questions.
They liaise with hospital staff to explain sometimes complicated and scary procedures, treatments, and diagnoses in an age-appropriate manner. In the case of grief and bereavement, these specialists bring comfort and healing to families.