A Legacy of Compassion: Shaping a Brighter Future for Children’s Health

In 1939, Bishop Richard J. Cushing of Boston envisioned a haven for physically disabled children, transcending barriers of race, religion, and finances. Joining forces with the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, an international order dedicated to serving those in need, they sought support from Ambassador Joseph P. Kennedy. The Ambassador and his wife Rose generously contributed $600,000 (equivalent to $12M today). On September 8, 1949, the doors opened to this special hospital which eventually would be called Franciscan Children’s.

Initially tending to children with Down Syndrome and Cerebral Palsy, the hospital’s mission expanded to meet the needs of the times. As the Polio epidemic raged in the 1950s, care extended to children with polio. The hospital’s offerings evolved to meet regional needs, encompassing medical rehabilitation, a dental clinic, and specialized education through the Kennedy Day School. A full complement of behavioral health services emerged in the 1990s, embracing inpatient, outpatient, and community-based treatment.

In response to the current pediatric behavioral health crisis, Franciscan Children’s entered into a historic affiliation with Boston Children’s Hospital. Two entities became one, combining their vast expertise to create a new system of behavioral health and rehabilitative care, research and teaching that will improve the lives of children and families in Massachusetts, New England and throughout the country.

Throughout its journey, Franciscan Children’s has remained an unwavering haven. A sanctuary where children facing mental health challenges, complex medical conditions, or special education needs find expert care in a compassionate and caring environment, so every kid can.