For kids, the hospital can be a frightening place, both physically and emotionally. Although we’d like to be able to take away all the pain and fear, we can’t—but we can make it better.
Child-Family Life Services provides a very special service for children and their families. As a member of your child’s health care team, we work to help him or her understand and cope with the hospital and clinic experience.
We are called Child-Family Life because we work with children ranging in age from infancy through adolescence. We provide age-appropriate opportunities for children to express their feelings about their illness and to understand what is happening to them through:
• Preadmission program and tour
• Education and preparation for medical procedures
• Support for patients during medical procedures
• Medical play
• Therapeutic activities
• One-to-one bedside visits
We are called Child-Family Life because we know that parents and family members are the best source of support and comfort for their child. When all family members feel comfortable and confident in the health care environment, the patient will feel more secure. Child-Family Life provides support for family members through:
• Family activities
• Parent social programs
• Helping parents understand their child’s behavior in the health care setting
• Helping parents learn how to support their child during procedures
• Promoting health through leisure and play
• Helping siblings understand illness and the effect it can have on them
We are called Child-Family Life because we know children need to grow and develop as they normally would at home and in their community. Child-Family Life helps children learn and express themselves through;
• Play and interaction with other children
• Playroom activities
• Special events
• “Live” interactive kids’ TV shows
• Creative programming
• Special community guests
• Cool stuff for teens
Professional Qualifications
Child-Family Life Specialists have a graduate or undergraduate degree in a variety of disciplines related to child development, psychology, education, family studies or therapeutic recreation. In addition, each Child-Family Life specialist has completed a clinical internship and obtains national certification through the Child Life Council.
Contact Information
Child-Family Life Services
University of Minnesota Children's Hospital, Fairview
420 Delaware St. S.E.
MMC 603
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Phone: 612-273-3124
Click here to view the Child-Family Life activity calendar.
