Family Resources

Older sister in yellow dress with little sister

We know that a child's illness or injury can be a worrying time for families. Fortunately, you don't have to face your concerns alone. Through every step of your medical journey you'll find support, encouragement and even hugs when you need them. Our teams work together to meet your family's particular needs and connect you with the right services at the right time.

Child Life

Child Life is a vital resource at Cook Children's. Child Life specialists help reduce the fear and anxiety some children and families face when accessing health care services. Our Child Life team:

Encourages children to play and have fun
Helps families cope with challenges
Prepares children for tests and procedures

Learn about Child Life specialists

Health information

The doctors and staff at Cook Children's take time to explain your child's diagnosis and treatment plan. Sometimes, you might want more information about your child's condition. In that case, we offer several options, including:

Information packets: Our librarians can put together an information packet just for you. The packets provide understandable, up-to-date health information on topics ranging from parenting to pediatric illnesses. To request your personalized packet, ask a librarian.
MyCookChildren's app and digital whiteboard: If your child is staying at the medical center, you can access our health information library on your MyCookChildren's app and on the interactive digital whiteboard in your room.
You'll also find great resources on our Health resources and education site. Because we know doctors sometimes speak in medical terms, we recommend What Did My Doctor Say? as a very helpful resource.

Ask a librarian Health resources and education

Language and interpreter services

We believe language should never stand in the way of securing medical care for your child. We provide language and interpreter services for more than 200 languages, including American Sign Language. Language services are available all day, every day.

Need an interpreter? Ask your nurse or contact 945-204-2980.

Nutrition services

Nutrition plays an important role in your child's health and healing. If needed, your doctor may recommend a special diet or a nutrition assessment.

Our dietitians perform these assessments and provide meal plans and advice. They work with you so you can help your child recover and stay healthy. If your child's doctor has referred you to a dietitian and you have questions, please call 945-204-3663 for assistance.

Parent mentors

Our parent mentors are volunteers who've been in your shoes and can offer a shoulder to lean on. They provide one-on-one support and encouragement for both inpatient and outpatient families.

To connect with a parent mentor, call 682-885-7123 or email parents@cookchildrens.org.

Patient representatives

We want your visit to go as smoothly as possible, but if you have concerns, our patient advocates can assist you. Also known as patient representatives, we're to listen to you, advocate for you and help you navigate the health care system. We work to ensure your concerns are addressed in a timely manner with the appropriate management team.

To contact a patient advocate, ask your nurse or contact the team directly at 945-204-0832 or email PatientRepresentativeProsper@cookchildrens.org.

Cook Children's social services staff work with your health care team to meet your physical, emotional and financial needs. Social workers provide support, counseling and resources for you and your child. A social worker can also help you apply for help through Medicaid, SSI, early childhood intervention and other programs.

To speak with a social worker, call 945-204-1480.

To speak with a case manager, call 945-204-1450.

Spiritual care

Our chaplains provide spiritual support for families of all faiths. They're trained to respond when a child is sick or injured. They listen and help you process your feelings without judgement.

The chapel is located on the second floor. It is a peaceful, welcoming place where you can come to reflect, meditate or pray.

For service times or to speak with a chaplain call 945-204-2110.

Support groups

Sometimes, you want to speak with others who know firsthand what you're going through. Support groups provide comfort and understanding and can be a source of hope and strength. Cook Children's offers a range of support groups for children, parents and siblings.

You can also find and connect with support groups using the “Community” feature on your MyCookChildren's app.

Support group information

Volunteers

Volunteers at Cook Children's bring joy and support to patients, families and staff. They may visit you in your room to check how you're doing and find out if there's anything you need. When you see them helping around the medical center, don't forget to say "hi."

Interested in becoming a volunteer? There are lots of opportunities and ways to volunteer. Directing and escorting visitors, reading books, playing in the playrooms, comforting little ones, educating parents about infant safety, and helping customers in the gift shop are just a few ways our volunteers make a challenging time better, put a smile on a child's face, or support an anxious parent.

How to become a volunteer