Family Centered Care

A key function of Child Life is promoting family-centered care, which means involving parents and family members in a child’s care.

The family-centered care philosophy supports the belief that health care providers and the family are partners who work together to meet a child’s needs. It is based on the following core concepts:

• Choice: We provide the information families need to make educated choices about treatment. Family members cope better with their child’s illness when they understand treatment options.
   
• Respect: Family-centered care involves respect for each family’s values, beliefs, customs and background. Respect is also demonstrated for family strengths and the central role of the family in a child’s life.
   
• Information Sharing: Our clinical staff members provide medical information to families and value the personal information families provide about their children.
   
• Support: We respect families’ decisions, offer comfort as they cope with their child’s illness and work to meet social, developmental and emotional needs.
   
• Collaboration: Medical staff and family members work together in the best interest of the child. Families are involved in all aspects of planning and delivering medical care.
   
• Empowerment: Family-centered care acknowledges that family members have the right and authority to care for their children.