at Advocate Lutheran General Children’s Hospital
Cancer/Oncology
Critical Care
Emergency Services
Pediatrics
Heart Care/Cardiology
Neonatology
Surgery
Other Medical Services
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Child Life History
Recognizing the need for specialists who focused on meeting the age appropriate educational and diversional needs of pediatric and adolescent patients, Advocate Lutheran General began our Child Life program in 1969. The program was initiated to improve the quality of life for hospitalized pediatric and adolescent patients and their family members. The Child Life Program’s goal has always been to uphold the mission of the National Child Life Council:
“We, as Child Life professionals, strive to reduce the impact of stressful or traumatic life events and situations which affect the development, health, and well-being of infants, children, youth and families. We embrace the values of play as a healing modality as we work to enhance the normal growth and development of infants, children and youth through assessment, intervention, prevention, advocacy and education.” National Child Life Council
Over the years, the Child Life Program, now part of Advocate Lutheran General Children’s Hospital has grown to its current staff size of five specially trained and fully accredited Child Life specialists. The range of services provided to patients has expanded to include both traditional and innovative therapies.
As part of an interdisciplinary team focused on total patient care, Child Life works closely with social workers, chaplains, therapists, nursing staff, and other professionals from various departments within the hospital.
Child Life and Teen Life programs and services are supported by generous contributions from community members, organizations and area businesses.
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