Welcome to the Child Life Program!
The Child Life Program is a part of the Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics at Boston Medical Center. This division offers diverse clinics and outreach programs for families and children in the Boston area.
The Child Life Program at Boston Medical Center helps children and families manage the stresses associated with hospitalization and illness. Each Child Life Specialist has a unique role as the member of the health care team who focuses on children's developmental and emotional needs.
The Child Life Team is composed of professionals trained to help children and families understand the hospital experience and related feelings. Whether a child is going to a doctor's appointment, having surgery, staying overnight in the hospital, or being seen in the Pediatric Emergency Department, a Child Life Specialist provides emotional support to the pediatric patient and his/her family.
On the inpatient floor, Child Life activities and materials are offered in the playroom, in the adolescent lounge, at a child's bedside or on the rooftop playground (weather permitting). Child Life services can also be found in the Pediatric Emergency Room and in the Operating Room. Work with patients may be diversional, therapeutic or developmentally supportive. Child Life interventions include distraction, coping techniques, preparation for procedures, and medical play (medical materials used therapeutically).
Goals of the Child Life Team
- To help children express their feelings in a safe and supportive environment.
- To interact with children in a developmentally and culturally sensitive manner.
- To help children manage pain effectively.
- To provide support for children and families in order to maintain family closeness.
- To offer children choices that increase feelings of independence, self esteem and trust.
Useful Links
The Child Life Council
Wheelock College
For more information:
Tricia Sherman
Child Life Program
Boston Medical Center
1 Boston Medical Center Place
Boston, MA 02118
phone: 617 414-5762
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