Hospitalization

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Contributing to the effectiveness of your
child's treatment

As described in “Questions to Ask Before Psychiatric Hospital Treatment of Children and Adolescents”, acts for Families, APA:

“Parents are naturally concerned and may be frightened and confused when inpatient treatment is recommended for their child.  It is important that parents ask questions and remain an active partner in making decisions affecting their child.  Children also should be encouraged to ask any questions they have and, depending upon age and abilities, be involved in making this decision as well."

When you, as a parent or caregiver, are informed about the hospital’s treatment plan and procedures then you are able to more fully contribute to the effectiveness of your child’s treatment. 

By asking the following questions, you will gain a better understanding of the proposed stay in an inpatient facility:

  • Why is inpatient treatment being recommended for my child, and how will it help my child?
  • What are the other treatment alternatives, and how do they compare?
  • Is a psychiatrist specializing in children and adolescents admitting my child to this facility?
  • Does the treatment program include, and how will my child be able to keep up with, schoolwork?
  • What are the goals for my child in this placement? Who will determine if the goals are attained?  How and when will this be done?
  • What are the responsibilities of the child and adolescent psychiatrist and other people on the treatment team?
  • How long will my child be in inpatient treatment, and how do I pay for these services?
  • What will happen if I can no longer afford to keep my child here, and inpatient treatment is still necessary?
  • How will I as the parent be involved in my child’s treatment, including the decision for discharge and aftercare treatment?
  • What visitation is allowed during my child’s inpatient treatment?
  • Who in this facility is responsible for communicating to me regarding my child’s progress?  How and when will this be done?
  • To whom do I speak when I have concerns about my child’s education?
  • Does the Joint Commission for the Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) approve this hospital as a treatment facility for youngsters of my child’s age, or will my child be on a specialized unit or in a program accredited for treatment of children and adolescents?
  • How will the decision be made to discharge my child from inpatient treatment?
  • Once my child is discharged, what are the plans for continuing or follow-up treatment?
  • How will inpatient treatments affect my ability to parent my child?”    

Remember that you have the right to discuss and question any of the answers you get when talking with your child’s hospital care team.  Feel free to bring up issues and concerns you have about your child’s care.  Follow your instincts in collaborating in your child’s in-hospital treatment plan.