Our Blog
News and insight from Franciscan about our philosophy of hope through healthcare and recent issues affecting children’s wellness.
Mental Health Support Services
In-Patient Mental Health Programs at Franciscan Children’s
Every year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical… Continue Reading
Education Medical Services Mental Health Support Services
School-based Mental Health Programs Provided by Franciscan Children’s
According to the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, up to one in five children in the U.S. experience a mental health disorder every year. Symptoms often begin in early… Continue Reading
Education Medical Services Mental Health Support Services
Coordinated Autism Service Line: Helping One Family at a Time
Written by clinical psychologist, Dr. Dan Clark CASL – Coordinated Autism Service Line at Franciscan Children’s The Coordinated Autism Service Line (CASL) at Franciscan Children’s is a program within the… Continue Reading
Education Medical Services Support Services
A Day in the Life of a Child Life Specialist
Day In the Life of a Child Life Specialist at Franciscan Children’s At Franciscan Children’s, our Child Life Specialists foster our patients’ emotional, social and cognitive growth during their stay… Continue Reading
Adaptive sports Education Support Services
Accessible Boston: Know Before You Go – Museum of Science
Written by Paul Ward As the Director of Adaptive Sports at Franciscan Children’s, I aim to find accessible outings for families and their children. As someone living with a disability,… Continue Reading
Adaptive sports Education Support Services
How Adaptive Sports Can Influence Your Child’s Life
Written by Paul Ward, Director of Adaptive Sports As someone who was born with spina bifida, I know firsthand how beneficial getting involved in adaptive sports can be. Adaptive sports… Continue Reading
Education Medical Services Mental Health News Support Services
Back to School 2021: Weathering the Storm Together to Prevent Suicide
Blog is written by: Anna Lingan, CWI School-Based Therapist |Site Manager for Winship Elementary School, and Jane Carper, CWI School-Based Therapist | Site Manager for Higginson Lewis School. At the… Continue Reading
The Kids’ Closet
Many people walk by the nondescript door on the first floor in Building 3 without taking a second look. But if you look closer, you will see a door that… Continue Reading
Mental Health Support Services
Meet our Team: Mercy, Environmental Services Aide
Mercy’s work as an Environmental Services Aide in our Child and Adolescent Inpatient Mental Health program has been known to comfort many of the children, adolescents and teens who come to us for mental health services during times of crisis. “This is just like my house, and I want to do something to make [our patients] feel good,” said Mercy, who has been cleaning patient rooms at Franciscan Children’s for 13 years. “People just need space, love, good communication and a good attitude.”
Child Life: Tips for making medical experiences more comfortable for your child
Bringing your child to the dentist or the pediatrician may be “routine,” but our Child Life team knows that these visits often come with uncomfortable or new experiences that can be difficult or scary for kids. Here are a few simple tricks that you can use to make your child feel more comfortable during these experiences.
Why We Love (and Need) Child Life
At Franciscan Children’s, our Child Life Specialists work closely with children in our inpatient Pediatric Rehabilitation, inpatient Pulmonary Rehabilitation, and outpatient Surgical Services programs and can frequently be seen spreading their contagious, fun spirit throughout our campus. In celebration of Child Life Month and the wonderful work that they do, we asked staff and patients what they love the most about Child Life, and why it’s so important.
Adaptive Ice Skating: 2015 Program Recap
On Wednesday evenings from mid-September through mid-November, Simoni Rink in Cambridge is home to the Franciscan Adaptive Ice Skating Program. Uniquely designed to serve children with special needs, the Adaptive Ice Skating program runs for one hour per week for 10 weeks. With diagnoses of autism, cerebral palsy, and genetic conditions, 21 children with disabilities participated in the program this year, along with 11 of their siblings.
Mental Health Support Services
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of a variety of mental health issues, and has been incorporated into a variety of therapeutic treatment approaches. In mindfulness practice we do our best to “be with” whatever is happening in an aware and self-loving way, often with a focus on present moment body sensations, thoughts, and emotions.
A Day in the Life of a Franciscan Child Life Specialist
In celebration of Child Life Month we’re giving you a peek into a day in the life of a Child Life Specialist at Franciscan and what makes our program so special!
Valet Parking Comes to FHC
Beginning on Tuesday, September 2nd guests may notice some new welcoming faces as they enter Parking Lot A. We are piloting a complimentary valet parking service for guests in order to improve our patients and families’ experience as they arrive and depart Franciscan Hospital for Children.
Dining Services: Exciting News for Healthy Appetites
Beginning on June 15th, 2014 changes will be made to our dietary and dining services experience at FHC. Explore these FAQs to help you navigate our new and improved offerings.
Meet Our Child Life Team
At Franciscan Hospital for Children, our Child Life Specialists work closely with children in our inpatient rehabilitation program and can frequently be seen spreading their contagious, fun spirit throughout the Hospital. In celebration of Child Life Month and the wonderful work that they do, we asked them some questions about Child Life and are sharing their answers with you!