Our Children
In the first two years that Circle of Life Children’s Center has been providing services to seriously ill children and their families, we have served 44 children in 13 of New Jersey’s 21 counties.
These children have ranged in age from before birth to age 20.
19 of these children are male and 25 are female.
18 African American; 16 Hispanic; 8 Caucasian; 2 Mixed Race
Sadly, 22 of these children have passed away.
Services to children have included:
- Assessment/evaluation and management of physical problems, and psychosocial, spiritual and social service needs
- Management of difficult physical symptoms including pain
- Referrals to appropriate services
Services to families have included:
- Assistance in communicating effectively with the health care team
- Education about potential problems and long-term needs
- Help in setting goals of care
- Coordination and communication with multiple providers
- Guidance with difficult decisions including long term care and/or end-of-life options
- Referral to community resources
- Assistance with spiritual and cultural traditions, rituals and ceremonies
- Home visits
- Counseling and bereavement support to parents and siblings
Services for Healthcare Professionals have included:
- Prenatal consultation services
- Perinatal end-of-life and/or palliative care options
- Newborn palliative care options, including pain and symptom management
- Planning and facilitation of family meetings and shared decision making between physician and families
- Support for difficult decisions such as DNR withdrawal of life-sustaining therapies, etc.
- Anticipatory guidance, grief counseling and support for healthcare providers
- Educational opportunities for staff, i.e. grand rounds, presentations, workshops, accredited seminars
To request a free DVD explaining our services to children and their families please call our office at 973-273-0872.