Child Life

Empowering Young Lives with Child Life Services

The Child Life Department is dedicated to nurturing emotional, social, and cognitive development through developmental play strategies and procedural support. Our skilled child life specialists collaborate with children and adolescents across various units, including inpatient medical and mental health, pediatric rehabilitation, and outpatient surgical services.

Guiding Through Healing Play

Our specialists are trained in fostering effective coping techniques, harnessing play, preparation, and education for healing. They also foster growth for patients facing prolonged hospitalization challenges.

Supporting Families Too

Our child life specialists extend family-centered care, offering emotional backing, information, and guidance to parents, siblings, and other family members. At Franciscan Children’s, we’re committed to the well-being of every child and their loved ones.

About Our Department

Our Goals

Our Child Life team aims to:

  • Alleviate patient apprehensions with therapeutic and recreational play.
  • Foster comprehension through surgical/procedural preparation and education via medical play.
  • Involve patients and families in normalizing the hospital environment through recreational activities, special events, and holiday planning.
  • Attend to the needs of siblings and family members affected by a child’s illness, diagnosis, or procedure.
  • At Franciscan Children’s, we’re committed to a holistic approach to care.

Our Certified Child Life Specialists possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and/or master’s degree in child life specialty or child development. We have certified infant massage specialists, and all of our child life staff are car seat trained for proper fitting and installation upon discharge. 

Our internship program is currently dependent on our Child Life staff’s availability. Please reach out to HaHutchings@franciscanchildrens.org for inquiries.

Inpatient Rehabilitation Programs

  • Download our Kid Welcome Booka unique visual resource guide designed to walk you and your child through what a stay in our inpatient rehabilitation programs may look like

Surgical Services

Get In Touch

Visit Us

We are here to help. Visit us at 30 Warren Street, Brighton, MA, minutes from the Mass Pike, Commonwealth Avenue, and the Longwood Medical Area.

Contact Us

We want to hear from you! Reach us by calling 617-254-3800 or fill out our contact form. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911.

Support Us

Your support can change a child’s life. Learn ways you can make an impact the lives of our patients and students today.