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, an advocate, a liaison,
an 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:
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.
