Child and Family Life
Background
As one of the first established programs in the nation, Child and Family Life at the University of Michigan Health System has advocated for ill children and their families since 1922. Established through a generous donation from the Ann Arbor Kiwanis Club, the hospital school program was born. Through years of continued generous support from Kiwanis of Michigan, as well as many other philanthropic donations, the department has grown into what we know today – a multi-talented group of activity therapists, activity therapist associates, art therapists, a music therapist, certified child life specialists and certified hospital teachers.
Our Team
The Child and Family Life department consists of a unique and multi-talented group of individuals. Our staff hold degrees and certifications in a variety of disciplines, including child development, therapeutic recreation, art therapy, music therapy and education.
Service Locations
We operate inpatient Activity Centers on the 5th, 6th and 7th floors of Mott Hospital. The Activity Therapists, Activity Therapist Associates, Hospital Teachers, Child Life Specialists and our Creative Therapies team (art and music therapy) are dedicated to all general inpatient units and the Pediatric Intensive Care units. We also have Child Life Specialists dedicated to the Pediatric Cancer Infusion/Cancer Clinic, the Pediatric Cardiology Clinic and the Mott Operating Room. The Family Resource Center is located on the 8th floor of Mott Hospital.
Get Involved
Entertainment and Events - Child and Family Life is dedicated to promoting a positive health care experience for the children and families that we serve. We greatly appreciate your interest in supporting our goals. Special entertainment and events, such as puppet shows, theatrical or musical performances, or specialized craft activities can bring much happiness to a hospitalized child and his or her family. All interested groups are required to review our entertainment guidelines and fill out an application. All applications are reviewed for appropriateness of activity, size and ages of the visiting group, and scheduling availability. Filling out an application does not guarantee acceptance of scheduling a visit, but we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Donations
Child and Family Life is not reimbursed by insurance or families, but instead relies on fundraising and generous financial gifts for the half of its budget that is not subsidized by the University of Michigan Health System. If you would like to support our work through a financial contribution, please send all monetary donations to the Child & Family Life office -
C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital
Child & Family Life Department, F8419
1500 East Medical Center Drive SPC 5251
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-5251
Please make all checks payable to: UMH Child & Family Life
We also welcome a variety of material donations. If you would like to help support our work with in kind donations, please contact the Mott Community Relations office at 734-764-6874. Follow this link for more information.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are an important asset to Child and Family Life. Volunteers assist with activities in the Activity Centers, at the bedside or in outpatient areas. Their generous donations of time add a unique, personal dimension to our family-centered care. To find out more about how you can volunteer with Child and Family Life, contact our Volunteer Services Department at 734-936-4327, or follow this link for more information.
