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 is a state-wide, Medicaid-funded program for pregnant women and infants up to one year of age. The University of Michigan has one of only 5 clinic-based programs in the state. The goal of the program is to reduce known risk factors for maternal and infant morbidity and mortality. A team consisting of a nurse, nutritionist, and social worker provide education, counseling, referral, advocacy, and case management in any of the domains known to affect maternal and infant outcomes. These domains include: chronic illness (asthma, high blood pressure, and diabetes), smoking, alcohol/drug use, domestic violence, depression/mental health issues, stress, housing instability, food insecurity, lack of family planning, transportation, and social support. We refer all of our beneficiaries to the home-based Infant Support Services program upon completion of the Maternal Support portion of the program.
To contact us with a referral, call or fax information to:
Maternal Infant Health Program
Department of Social Work
Melisa Schuster, LMSW, Program Coordinator
MPB D2202, SPC 5718
Phone: 734-615-4662
Fax: 734-647-7270
