The hospital environment can often be upsetting for children of all ages. The University Hospital's Janey Briscoe Children's Center offers Child Life services to address the variety of issues that can accompany a child's (0-18 years) hospitalization. Child Life Specialists offer services that seek to promote the developmental growth of the child and to minimize the stress that hospitalization can bring. There are several interventions that a Child Life specialist may use to assist the child's coping with the experience:

• Develop skills for children to cope with fear, anxiety, separation and adjustment to the hospital
• Provide developmentally appropriate play through a child-friendly playroom, teen area and activities at bedside.
• Encourage expression through play, art, music and directed medical play
• Educate and prepare patients on diagnosis, treatment and procedures at appropriate developmental level
• Act as a liaison within medical team in regards to developmental and psychological issues
• Demonstrate advocacy for the child throughout and beyond the hospital experience
• Offer families support and education for siblings in addition to informing families of helpful resources in their community
• Provide tutoring for the extended stay patients through a city referral system
• Hosts age-appropriate community entertainment for patients and their families

Thank you Kids Wish Network!

The Child Life Department relies solely on donations. Thanks to the Kids Wish Network’s Holiday of Hope— a nationally recognized charitable organization dedicated to infusing hope, creating happy memories, and improving the quality of life for hospitalized children— many of our courageous little patients are rewarded just because of their great attitude.