Our Services
Your child's social worker is involved in several aspects of your child's care—all with one goal: To help reduce the stress and emotional trauma that families experience when a child is injured or becomes ill. You can count on your social worker to be a counselor, advocate, liaison, educator, and a planner.
Here are some of the ways we can help:
Emotional Support/Crisis Intervention
Your social worker is a valuable asset when you first learn of your child's illness or injury. He or she can:
- Provide you with an opportunity to share your fears
- Help you focus on key information so you can make informed decisions
- Assist you and your child as you work through the challenges of a chronic illness
We help children cope with anxiety, depression, stress, and grief. We help your whole family deal with those same emotions, as well as child behavior problems and family conflict.
Needs Assessment
Your social worker will work with you on a comprehensive evaluation of your family's social, environmental, financial, and emotional needs. He or she will create a plan on how your needs can be met and by whom. Early in the process your social worker takes the role of a liaison and advocates on behalf of your family.
Critical Resources
Critical resources may be available through your pediatric social worker. These resources include parking passes, food vouchers, accommodations, and transportation. If you have these or other needs, please discuss this with your pediatric social worker.
Discharge Planning
Your social worker works with the medical team to produce a seamless transition from hospital to home. They work closely with your family and can help facilitate transportation, supplies, medicines, and home care. Your social worker will refer you to community resources, if needed, so that you can receive ongoing assistance after leaving the hospital.