Social Work

Social workers at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta are essential members of each child’s multidisciplinary team. They use their skills in assessment and intervention to provide our families with counseling, education and resources to enhance their ability to cope with illness or injury. Our social workers are also skilled at navigating the healthcare and behavioral health systems to promote quality care for children.

What is social work?

Social work is a profession that helps individuals, families, groups or communities enhance or restore their capacity for social functioning.

What does a social worker do?

At Children’s, our social workers can:

• Support you and your family as you learn to cope with your child’s illness or injury.
• Give you emotional support during times of grief and loss.
• Empower your family and address barriers by identifying your strengths and needs.
• Address language and cultural concerns.
• Plan patient care conferences between your family and the medical team
• Discuss any concerns about your child’s safety and protection.
• Plan for your child’s discharge from the hospital.
• Find resources to help pay for your child’s medicines.
• Arrange transportation to and from the hospital.
• Teach you about community agencies that provide ongoing services for financial, insurance, legal, mental health and other needs.
• Provide information about advance directives, which allow patients 18 years and older to make valid, legal choices about their future medical care.

The following resources are available for you and your family.

If you need to reach a member of our social work team, contact the following:

• Outpatient: 404-785-KIDS (5437)
• Inpatient: Egleston Hospital 404-785-6250, Hughes Spalding Hospital 404-785-9520, Scottish Rite Hospital 404-785-2010