PHILANTHROPY IN ACTION
Child Life Specialists
Providing evidence-based interventions to children of seriously ill adults
hen an important person in a child ’ s life is seriously ill , it can be difficult for families to know how to talk about the situation with their children . However , the way children process these distressing events can have lasting impacts on their lives . Thanks to philanthropic donations , Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center – Fort Worth offers a program to support the emotional needs of children as they face these difficult situations .
Last year , there were 557 child life visits serving 193 patients and families at Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth . Due to increasing demand for support services , a second Child Life Specialist was added to the Palliative Care team in the fall of 2022 . Taylor-Grace Freiberg and Tammy Martinez are certified and trained to help children cope with the psychosocial issues that arise when a family member or loved one in the hospital faces a serious health crisis .
To ensure a complete understanding of the family ’ s needs , the Child Life Specialist first meets with the involved adults . Through this initial discussion , they gather important information about the situation . They then turn their attention to the child , assisting them in processing their early feelings of fear and anxiety and working to develop coping strategies . By facilitating communication within the family , the Child Life Specialist ensures that the message conveyed is appropriate and effective for the child ’ s age and level of understanding .
During sessions , the Child Life Specialist uses various tools for emotional expression like art , games , puzzles and therapeutic activities . Even after the family leaves the hospital , the Child Life Specialist continues to provide ongoing support by connecting them with appropriate resources within the community .
Meet Taylor-Grace
What influenced you / made you decide to become a Child Life Specialist ?
I always thought I would work on the corporate side of healthcare after I finished my bachelor ’ s degree in Health Communication . My passion has always been in service to children and during a tour of a children ’ s hospital in California , I learned about the role of a Child Life Specialist and I knew this was my calling . I enrolled in a certification program the next day and I became a Certified Child Life Specialist a year later !
What makes the All Saints Child Life Program special ?
Our Child Life program is special in many ways but my favorite part of working at Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth is the unique support we get to offer patients and families facing medical journeys and the level of respect we receive from the medical teams at BSW .
What is one piece of advice you ’ d give to a family with children who are facing a hard time ?
Tammy Martinez and Taylor-Grace Freiberg
My advice would be to take the child ’ s lead and watch how they respond to the situation . Watch the child ’ s behaviors and actions because this could give insight into how they are coping and dealing with the situation . Create a space that feels safe to have open and honest conversations and continue to remind them that sharing their feelings , asking questions and expressing their concerns are all OK things to do in the midst of going through a loved one ’ s medical journey . It ’ s never too early or too late to find them the support that they need !
Meet Tammy
What influenced you / made you decide to become a Child Life Specialist ?
I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field and had a desire to work with children . When I discovered child life , I found my perfect fit for combining these two things . Also , I always hated going to the doctor ! Knowing that as a Child Life Specialist I could help children / families be more prepared to navigate healthcare experiences was very appealing .
Why did you decide to work at Baylor Scott & White – Fort Worth , an adult hospital rather than a children ’ s hospital ?
In my previous role working with pediatric patients , I had occasional opportunities to work with children of adult patients . During those experiences , I was reminded how a parent or loved adult ’ s illness impacts the whole family . I was able to immediately see the difference it made for parents and families to have the children understand what was happening and to have an outlet to process their emotions around a parent ’ s illness .
What is one piece of advice you ’ d give to a family with children who are facing a hard time ? Children are capable of handling more than we often think they are , especially when information is provided to them in a developmentally appropriate way . I am continually impressed and inspired by how the children I work with handle and cope with difficult information and situations . Children often can figure out and show us what they need to thrive , we just need to pay attention and follow their lead !
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THE COMPASS / BAYLOR SCOTT & WHITE FOUNDATION NEWS / SPRING 2023