Family Advisory Council

The Family Advisory Council has 25 members and is led by the Director of Family-Centered Care. The council is comprised of family members and staff at a 3:1 ratio. Family members receive a stipend. Members serve approximately a three-year term and are interviewed by the Director of Family-Centered Care and Family Faculty prior to joining the Council. The Family Advisory Council meets monthly to discuss progress towards annual goals and new areas where the Council can be of assistance. The Council collaborates with senior leadership and staff to establish annual goals that support the organization's mission and promote Patient-and Family-Centered Care.

Mission & Vision

The mission of the Family Advisory Council is to collaborate with Children’s Specialized Hospital leadership and staff to empower families to provide input for organizational policies and practices. The council supports the organization’s mission and promotes Patient- and Family-Centered Care by putting the child and family at the center of all activities.

In fulfilling its mission, the Family Advisory Council will work with leadership and staff to:

  • Cultivate respectful, welcoming partnerships between patients, families, leadership and staff.
  • Encourage collaboration between families and providers of patient care.
  • Strengthen communication between patients, families, leadership and staff.
  • Channel information and concerns from patients and families to organizational leadership.
  • Offer effective solutions to patient-family concerns.
  • Provide education and training that fosters an increased understanding of Patient-and Family-Centered Care values throughout the organization and community.
  • Provide input for clinical programs to meet patient and family needs.
  • Provide recommendations on operational issues that affect patients and families.

Family Advisory Council Resources (Developed by Families for Families)

Family Faculty and the Family Advisory Council, in partnership with staff, reviewed and developed many meaningful patient and family resources. Resources can be found on our Patient and Family Resource page.

Family Advisory Recruitment

Recruitment for the Family Advisory Council is open to families of children who have or still are receiving services at Children’s Specialized Hospital. Informational Sessions are held and interviews are conducted for council positions. Please contact Linda Waddell if interested by phone at 732-258-7378 or email Lwaddell@chilrens-specialized.org.

Patient Stories

  • "He is working hard every single time that he comes here. There has absolutely been improvements with the movement in his finger and being able to do things. He's now going back to playing sports, fishing, gym class, and doing all the little things that ...

    John
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  • “The therapists are all phenomenal with all the kids, not just mine. The level of patience they have is amazing, and you can tell they really care for the kids and love what they do,” Malikai’s mom Jennifer states.

    Malikai
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  • “The program exceeded my expectations. Everyone who worked with Connor was so welcoming and helpful. They told us exactly what to do and what his schedule would be. I felt so comfortable leaving him alone,” noted Serena. “Since we don’t live close, I ...

    Connor
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Patient Stories

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