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Families Providing Support

We appreciate the unique benefits that come from parents connecting with other parents for support, information and resources. Examples of ways you can provide support include:

• Offering one-on-one peer support through The Parent Support Program
• Finding mutual support in one of Children's support groups

Families Providing Support Highlights

Over 80 parent volunteers have completed six hours of training and have been involved with the Parent Support Program in some way over the years. These parent volunteers connect over the phone with families who have recently learned their child has a new diagnosis or special health need and would like to talk with another parent.  

“When talking with another parent, there is a different level of understanding and connection … sharing a similar experience produces an indescribable empathy and provides hope for getting through, regardless of the family or child’s circumstance.”
Tina Gilles, parent, Parent Support Program volunteer

Nearly half of the support groups currently taking place at Children’s Hospital are organized, coordinated and led by parents. Each of the parent leaders has relationships with staff that support their efforts in different ways. 

“Having the support group as a resource for families is wonderful. The fact that it is led by parents is an added bonus.”
Tricia Lambie, social worker, Children’s Heart Center

During 2007, two parent leaders were hired into uniquely created staff positions here at Children’s. The parent of a daughter who has autism now works part-time in the Psychiatry Department as a family advocate for the Autism Program. In addition, the Craniofacial Department hired a mother of a teen who was born with a cleft lip and palate to work with staff and families as a family liaison a few hours each week.

“Through her conversations with parents and the newsletter forum, she provides support and information to families, and she helps educate our staff with a broad family perspective.”
Monica Andrews, social worker, Children’s CranioFacial Department

For more information about Families Providing Support, contact:
Lawrie Williams, Parent Support Program Coordinator
(206) 987-1119

Seattle Children's provides health care for the special needs of children regardless of race, sex, creed, ethnicity or disability. Financial assistance for medically necessary services is based on family income and hospital resources and is provided to children under age 21 whose primary residence is Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho.