Helping Kids be Kids
Even When They’re Healing
Meeting all kinds of child needs
We know children need more than medicine to get well. They also need to play, laugh and learn—in short, they need to be children. You can rely on our Child Life Program to meet the emotional, social and developmental needs of your child and family.
Specialists in emotional healing
When your child faces a hospital stay, your first concern is for their health. You also want to ease their fears and make their experience as enjoyable as possible. Our certified Child Life Specialists do just that; they are with you and your child at every step. Developing coping plans, creating age-appropriate activities that encourage learning and fun, and providing the support your family needs, which is important to the healing process.
Services we provide
Our certified Child Life Specialists have education and training in areas that relate to the developmental impact of illness and injury on children. They are skilled in helping children and their families cope with chronic illnesses, injury, trauma, disability, loss and bereavement. Some of the services provided include:
- Helping patients create skills to cope with fear, anxiety and stress
- Individual support and preparation for medical needs such as surgery, painful procedures, a new diagnosis or chemotherapy.
- Individual support for Pediatric VCUG (voiding cystourethrogram): Getting Ready for Your VCUG
- Teaching and tours to help children and their families know what to expect before surgery
- Helping kids understand their sibling's illness or injury
- Grief and loss support for patients and their families in partnership with the Pathways Palliative Care Program
If your child is facing a hospital stay, our Child Life Program is available to provide information and support to your family.
Interested in visiting Randall Children’s Hospital? Community groups play an important role in brightening a patient’s hospital stay and provide comfort to many children and their families. If you are interested in learning more, please see our Community Groups guidelines FAQ.
Interested in learning what is required to become a Child Life Specialist?
Child Life Practicum Program - Learn more
Child Life Clinical Internship Program - Learn more
Contact Randall Children’s Child Life Program
Phone: 503-413-2740
Email: childlife@lhs.org
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