Child Life Services at Deaconess seeks to help children and their families handle stressful medical situations. We do this through a variety of ways at our multiple locations including inpatient care, out-patient services, and emergency department services. Our team explains tests and procedures at an age and ability-appropriate level and works hard to address the child's fear, confusion or anxiety.
We embrace the value of family and play in the healing process and try to keep life as normal as possible for kids during hospitalization or treatment.
Partnering with Parents
Parents know their children's likes and dislikes better than we do. That's why we partner with parents and guardians to identify what the child might enjoy. Activities include art projects, reading materials, music, support of patient interaction in Playville (indoor play facility), and play opportunities/self-expression specific to each child's interests and particular situation.
When appropriate, we involve siblings or other family members in activities. Our team also understands that parents need support. We are here to listen and have conversations with you and occupy the child's attention so you get a needed break from the room.
Child Life Donations
Play is an essential and natural part of childhood. It helps with coping, diversion, self-expression and healing, and is vital to a child’s growth and development.
If your or your organization want to support child life services at Deaconess, please review our guidelines and wish list below. Because our patients are in a medical setting, we have specific regulations for items we can accept. Specifically, we DO NOT accept used toys of any kind or art supplies containing latex or glitter.
Child Life Donation Guidelines and Wish List
Donation Form - Must be completed for all donations.
Monetary donations allow additional resources to be purchased and support continuing education for staff. Considering giving to Deaconess Riley/Child Life today.
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Thank you for caring!
Thank you to our community for generously supporting Child Life Services at Deaconess. Your kindness and generosity touches the lives of children every day. Business and organization support includes:
Skanska
911 Gives Hope
Castle Elementary
Red Hat Ladies
Verlies Quilters
Starlight Children's Foundation
Walmart