Child Life Program
No matter how old you are, hospitals can feel scary. For children, they can be even scarier because it’s hard to understand what’s going on. That’s why Morris-Jenkins supports the Child Life program! This program helps children and their families feel comfortable during their hospitals stays by providing distractions and support.
The Child Life program uses certified Child Life specialists who focus on helping the children at Levine’s feel more comfortable. They help prepare children for procedures by explaining things at a level they can understand (sometimes using books, dolls, computers, and more).
During the procedures themselves, the specialists help support and distract the child. They also offer play and art activities to make their stay as fun as possible!
Being a Child Life specialist is an incredibly rewarding job, but it’s not for the faint of heart. These caring and generous people have the difficult role of helping children discover ways to cope with illness, injury, and sometimes even the possibility of death. When needed, they also offer grief support.
Related: “How Morris-Jenkins Supports the Levine Children’s Hospital”