Social Work
The hospitalization or illness of a child can be very disruptive to a family’s normal routine. Patients and families may experience a variety of emotions during this stressful time. Social workers in health care settings are specifically trained to assist both patients and their loved ones who are experiencing stress related to illness or a hospitalization. Social workers provide emotional support and counseling, as well as resources for ongoing support in the patient’s community, if needed. Additionally, social workers are skilled handling issues of loss, end of life and bereavement.
Many families who come to our facilities are not close to home or other family members. Social workers can assist with tangible needs to make their stay more comfortable, such as providing resources and assistance for lodging and transportation.
When To Refer to Social Work
Psychosocial issues/concerns:
- Crisis intervention
- Adjustment to illness/injury
- Family/patient coping poorly with hospital stay or illness
- Limited social/family support
- New diagnosis requiring lifestyle changes
- Counseling needs
- End of life issues
- Bereavement
Abuse/Neglect/Child Protection Concerns
- Suspected or reported abuse of child or violence in the family (Learn about our abuse prevention efforts and Child Protection Team.)
Substance Abuse
Financial Concerns/Tangible Needs
- Community resources
- Eligibility for special programs such as Children’s Special Health Care or Supplemental Security Income
To make a referral, please contact the Guest Assistance Program at 734-764-6893.
Maternal Infant Health Program
The Maternal Infant Health Program, formerly known as MSS/ISS, is a referral-only, state of Michigan program funded by Medicaid for pregnant women between conception and 8 weeks postpartum, and infants up to their first birthday. Its purpose is to provide support to women identified as having a pregnancy that can or may be at risk for harm, complications, neonatal or postnatal loss. Such risk factors include, but are not limited to: age; number of children; fetal/maternal health; housing/living conditions; substance use/abuse; domestic issues; cognitive/developmental/mental health issues; income level; work skills/abilities; and smoking.
The program is staffed by an interdisciplinary team of social workers, registered nurses and nutritionists, as well as an administrative/management team.
To contact us with a referral, call or fax information to:
Maternal Infant Health Program
Department of Social Work
Donna Genyk, Program Administrator
Mott F-4770, Box 0718
Phone: 734-936-9758
Fax: 734-936-8767
