A diagnosis of a new illness can be stressful for a family. The Child Life Program helps reduce stress and anxiety for patients, siblings, and other family members.
Child life specialists use interventions like therapeutic play to provide support. Therapeutic play helps patients and siblings develop and strengthen coping skills. Our activities offer:
- A way to understand illness and treatment
- An outlet for feelings
- A chance to play and interact with peers
- A chance to master new skills
St. Jude has a team of full-time child life specialists. Our goal is to help children, teens, and emerging adults cope with the challenges of health care and being in the hospital.
Our child life specialists work closely with patients and siblings. We use words and activities that fit their ages to explain medical events to help them better understand what is happening. We build trust and help children know what to expect.
No matter the age, being diagnosed with a serious illness is stressful. St. Jude child life specialists support patients of all ages, even those 20 years old and older. Our emerging adult child life specialists not only help older patients cope with diagnosis and treatment but also help support social connections and give them opportunities to join in age-appropriate activities.
St. Jude child life specialists are nationally certified. They have bachelor’s or master’s degrees, with backgrounds in human growth and development, education, psychology, or counseling.
Get involved with Child Life at St. Jude
Helping Hands volunteers help with activities for recreation and play in groups and 1-on-1. They provide a comfortable and accepting environment, directed by Child Life staff along with Family, Guest and Volunteer Services.
These volunteers also help the specialists keep toys clean, assist with activities and events, encourage play, help with special projects, and provide respite care.
Requirements for volunteering
Volunteer shifts are available in inpatient settings.
Helping Hands volunteers are needed for 3-hour shifts each week at a regularly scheduled times from 9 a.m.–noon and 1–4 p.m., Monday–Friday. All volunteers must enjoy working with children and be sensitive to their needs.
Review our volunteering requirements and process to apply
Connect with St. Jude Volunteer Services
To reach Volunteer Services at St. Jude, call 901-595-3327 or email volunteers@stjude.org.
To learn more about St. Jude Child Life services, call 901-595-3020.