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Social Work

At Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, clinical social workers support patients and their families throughout their time with us. We're here to make sure you have everything you need to provide for your child and support their healing. We'll take care of you. You're not in it alone.

About the Clinical Social Work Program at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Our clinical social workers are trusted resources for the families we serve. We’re here as your advocates throughout your hospital stay and beyond. Our social work team offers:

  • Unique support for every family: Social work support takes many forms, depending on what you need. We’re here to answer questions, connect you with hospital and community resources and more.
  • 24/7 help: Our team of about 100 social workers has the reach to help any child or family at Children's Hospital Los Angeles. We work tirelessly behind the scenes to provide 24/7 support. Any time, day or night, a social worker is here when you need one.
  • Unparalleled expertise: The clinical social work team includes masters-level and licensed clinical social workers and bachelor-level caseworkers specializing in medical social work. Caring for children and families in the hospital is all we do, and we’re experts at it.
  • Protection for the most vulnerable: The Audrey Hepburn CARES Center provides compassionate examinations, diagnosis and intervention for suspected child abuse victims and their families. Team members also provide education and training throughout the region.

What Do Social Workers at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles Do?

The social work team’s goal is to support every family and make sure they have what they need while a child is hospitalized. We work with you to determine your needs and the best way to address them.

Depending on the family and the circumstance, that may include:

  • Answering questions about your child’s diagnosis and treatment and helping you communicate with doctors and nurses
  • Connecting you with hospital and community resources to support your family while your child receives care
  • Crisis intervention
  • Discharge planning
  • Emergency assistance
  • Grief counseling
  • Providing counseling and mental health services to families and patients during a hospital stay or illness
  • Providing or finding support groups
  • Supporting families and teaching coping skills

Contact Us

If your family is interested in receiving social work services at the hospital, ask your charge nurse or clinic staff. You also can call us directly at 323-361-2485.