Family Support Services

Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our patients. In order to preserve the health and welfare of all, the hospital combines medical care with close attention to the needs of the entire family.

The Social Services Department seeks to enhance coping and participation in care by providing emotional support, care coordination and resource assistance. Our social workers are experienced in child and family development and adjustment to illness/medical treatment and are available to address your concerns.

To reach us call (650) 497-4569.

Social Workers provide:

Emotional Support

Lucile Packard Children's Hospital recognizes that adjusting to your child's illness while balancing other aspects of your life can be a difficult process. Our staff of social workers is specially trained to help you with the following needs:

  • Crisis Intervention
  • Family Stress
  • Counseling
    • Coping with Illness & Treatment
    • Support Groups for Different Illnesses
    • Grief & Bereavement

Care Coordination

At times the hospital can be a confusing and complex environment, and the medical care provided may be difficult to understand. If you have questions and are unsure who to ask, social workers can guide you to the correct source and further assist with:

  • Communication Between Your Family & the Medical Team
  • Pre- and Post-Care Planning/Preparations
  • Clarification of How the Hospital Functions
  • Roles of the Medical Team Members

Resource Assistance

Social Services facilitates access to health services and supports your family's involvement in your child's medical care. We also recognize that you may need assistance with basic resources at times. Our social workers and resource coordinators can meet with you to explore:

  • Referral to & Collaboration with Community Agencies
  • Access to Hospital Resources
    • Meals
    • Transportation
    • Lodging

At home support

Some children require breathing support even after they leave the hospital. We help families with children who require mechanical ventilation or have tracheostomies. Non-invasive ventilation (such as masks or nose tubes) or invasive (using a trach) are two options. We work with several home care services to ease the transition from the hospital to the family's home, and assist with ongoing management.