Medical Services
Child and Family Life
The C.S. Mott Children's Hospital Department of Child and Family Life was established in 1922 as a foundation to our family-centered care philosophy. For more than 80 years, the department has initiated and coordinated programs and services designed to alleviate the impact of hospitalization on children and their families. By addressing patients' and families' social, emotional and educational needs, our programs provide important opportunities for coping, growth and development.
Programs that meet the social needs of patients and families:- Activity centers provide play opportunities for children to interact with peers and families in a natural, non-threatening environment.
- A staffed, outdoor, rooftop play deck is open seasonally. (Sibling participation is welcomed in the activity centers and on the play deck at posted hours.)
- Holiday celebrations and special events to acknowledge special occasions and allow for fun opportunities within the hospital environment.
- The Giving Library operates Monday-Thursday. Volunteers may read new books to kids, and this book is a gift to the child from the program.
- Children are provided with materials so they can create artwork and crafts.
- Special meals and the care cart which delivers complimentary refreshments for families at the patient bedside.
Programs that meet the emotional needs of patients and families:
- Music Therapy encourages patients to express feelings, promote relaxation and comfort.
- Art Therapy focuses patients to build long term coping skills.
- Medical play helps reduce patients' anxieties about medical procedures by helping patients understand diagnosis, procedures and treatments.
- Bedside activities are provided to patients who aren't able to leave their rooms to reduce feelings of isolation and to encourage interaction and reduce anxiety about medical procedures and hospitalization.
Programs that meet the educational needs of patients and families:
- Early On is a service provided to children under the age of three. The Early On Coordinator helps families find health, educational, and social services that promote the development of their infants and toddlers.
- Certified teachers are on staff to assist children in keeping up with their schoolwork.
- An infant massage class operates in a group setting weekly, as well as by appointment at the bedside.
- Child and Family Life also maintains the Family Resource Center on the 8th level of Mott. For more information please visit Mott Family Resource Center.
Mott Hospital's Child and Family Life program is the oldest program of its kind in the country, and still considered one of the best. It is not reimbursed by insurance or families, but instead relies on fund-raising and generous financial gifts for the half of its annual budget not subsidized by the University of Michigan Health System. Make a Gift
Child and Family LifeContact Information: (734) 936-6519
Appointments are by: Physician or Self ReferralTo make an appointment call: (734) 936-6519
TTD (Michigan Relay System for Hearing Impaired): (800) 649-3777 Send referral information to our clinic location:
C.S. Mott Children's Hospital
1500 East Medical Center Drive
Floor 8, Room F8419, Reception:
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5251
Phone: (734) 936-6519
