Monash Children’s Hospital
VIC
Child Life Therapy
Our sponsored Child Life Therapists stay by a child’s side in hospital every step of the way throughout their cancer experience, encouraging coping skills and boosting wellbeing through play therapy, education and distraction.
These invaluable health professionals reduce a child’s stress and anxiety over the procedures they face, helping to minimise the need for anaesthetic and sedation.
With gentle encouragement and understanding, Child Life Therapists teach children strategies on how to manage their illness on the ward and once they return home from hospital. They provide techniques that build understanding, resilience and empowerment to support kids throughout their cancer treatment.
Child Life Therapists also support the welfare of the whole family, including siblings, by providing practical help, forming bonds, and sharing skills that strengthen the wellbeing of the family unit.
Camp Quality is one of the major funders of Child Life Therapy positions in Australia.
PARTNER HOSPITALS
We currently fund Child Life Therapist roles at:
Royal Children’s Hospital
VIC
John Hunter Children’s Hospital
Newcastle, NSW
Perth Children's Hospital
WA
The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and Randwick
NSW
The many benefits of Child Life Therapy
- Research* shows that Child Life Therapy can improve a child’s coping skills during the cancer treatment cycle
- Play therapy and treatment education can reduce the need for pain intervention and anaesthetic, which reduces stress on a child’s body
- It’s been found that an improved experience in hospital leads to better long-term psychological and physical wellbeing for children
- Child Life Therapists take into account the wellbeing of the entire family, and support siblings of children impacted by cancer
- Child Life Therapy sessions are tailored to an individual child and family’s needs. This allows for the differing circumstances of families, their personal requirements, and individualised treatment support plans
- Child Life Therapy helps children navigate the hospital environment, and teaches them how to manage their illness on the ward and once they are discharged
Are you a health care professional?
Are you a social worker, child life therapist, nurse, doctor or other health care professional working with kids and families impacted by cancer? Learn more about our programs and services and how to refer someone to Camp Quality.
Information for Health Professionals