Supporting Patients and Families
Child Life Program
When you need help, we're by your side with support and reassurance
At Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital, we have developed many ways to support you and your child. Our support services and programs are designed to give you the resources you need and make your hospital stay as comfortable as possible.
We provide a wide range of physical, emotional, and spiritual support services.
Child Life Program
The Child Life team at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital helps infants, children, youth, and families cope with the stress and uncertainty of acute and chronic illness, injury, trauma, disability, loss and bereavement.
They provide evidence-based, developmentally and psychologically appropriate interventions including therapeutic play, distraction and preparation for procedures, and education to reduce fear, uncertainty, and pain. These services are available to patients and families at Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital at no extra charge.
Meet the Child Life Team at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital
Child Life Zone
Child Life Zone is a state-of-the-art, therapeutic play area inside our hospital where patients and families can play, learn, and relax—a sanctuary designed for every age group.
Learn MoreChild Life and Creative Arts Programs offered at Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital
Art Therapy
Art Therapy is an integrative mental health and human services profession that enriches the lives of individuals, families, and communities through active art-making, creative process, applied psychological theory, and human experience within a psychotherapeutic relationship.(American Art Therapy Association, 2020)
Art therapy services at Joe DiMaggio hospital uses the creative and expressive capability of art to help support the social, psychological, emotional, developmental and physical needs of the children and families served. Art making helps children cope with and adjust to their hospital experience by providing them with a safe and developmentally appropriate way to express themselves.
Hospital Homebound School Program
In partnership with Broward County Schools, a Broward County homebound teacher is on site during regular school hours to help hospitalized children (K-12) keep up with their schoolwork.
Teddy Bear Tours
This is a program offered to patients and families who would like to take a tour of the hospital prior to their surgery. The children receive a teddy bear or stuffed animal to take through the tour with them for comfort and medical play.
This programs helps to better prepare the patients and familes in advance of what to expect the day of surgery. This reduces fears and anxieties of the patiens and family.
Clown Therapy
Bibliotherapy – Family Resource Center
Our Family Resource Center serves as a library for our patients and families with a variety of books. The books are avilable to patients and families throughout their stay. Bibliotherapy can help lower stress levels and can be used to assist children in coping with hospitalization.
Youth Advisory Council
The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is a part of the PFAC which includes patients age 12 and older. The YAC meets monthly to contribute information and opinions about many aspects of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. The YAC plans monthly events for the children in the hospital to facilitate socialization and normalization.
Real Me Salon
The Real Me Salon is an integral part of Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. Pediatric patients receive personalized consultation and support services relating to self-image, including necessary tips on scalp care after hair loss, beauty and skin care techniques, camouflage makeup and more.
Animal Assisted Therapy
Some of our most beloved Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital team members are our four-legged co-workers, Freedom and Goldie; they are our friendly facility therapy dogs. Visits can be requested by calling the BARK line, 954-265-BARK (2275).
Animal Assisted Therapy
Donors and Events Spotlight
Our Donor Spotlight showcases the incredible generosity of supporters who have partnered with Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital® Child Life program. These dedicated donors bring joy, comfort, and support to young patients and their families through a wide range of sponsored events and activities, from art workshops to play therapy sessions. We are immensely grateful for their commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of children facing medical challenges.
