Helping Kids be Kids
Even When They’re Healing
About the Child Life Program
When children face a hospital stay, the first concern is for their health. There is also the need to ease any of their fears and make their hospital experience as comfortable as possible.
That’s where our team of child life specialists can help. As certified professionals in their field, they are trained to guide a child through every step of the hospital journey. This includes developing coping plans, creating age-appropriate activities that encourage learning and fun, the healing process, and providing support to the whole family. 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.
Services
Our certified child life specialists are educated and trained in areas related 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 cope with fear, anxiety and stress
- Individual support and preparation for medical needs such as surgery, painful procedures, a new diagnosis or chemotherapy.
- Teaching and tours to help children and their families know what to expect before their 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
For patients and visitors
Does your child have an upcoming surgery or procedure scheduled?
Planning for and anticipating such an event can be stressful. Our goal is to provide as much information as possible, so you know what to expect and your anxieties can be eased. This includes information about navigating our campus, preparing for a possible hospital stay, and more.
Get involved
Becoming a volunteer at Randall Children’s Hospital is a rewarding way to contribute to your local community, as well as gain insight and experience into the world of health care. Most importantly, hospital volunteers make a deep and positive impact on the lives of patients, their families and staff.
Learn more about volunteer opportunities at Randall or how you can donate toys to patients.
Interested in becoming a child life specialist?
Our internship and practicum programs are on hold until further notice.
If you would like to be notified when these programs will resume accepting new applications, please email us at childlife@lhs.org.
Contact us
If you have questions or need support, please contact the Child Life team.
Phone: 503-413-2740
Email: childlife@lhs.org
Get connected & stay informed
MyHealth gives you access to your child's medical records. View test results, diagnoses, medications, follow-up instructions, make an appointment and more.
