Pediatric oncology social workers usually have a master’s degree in social work, with additional training in oncology and pediatrics. They serve as guides through unfamiliar territory by mediating between staff and families, helping with emotional or financial problems, and locating resources. Many social workers form close, long-lasting bonds with families and continue to answer questions and provide support long after treatment ends.

On the day of Carl’s diagnosis, we were introduced to a team that we worked with for the next several years. The team included a primary nurse, a primary oncologist, a first-year resident, a second-year resident, a third-year resident, and our social worker. I remember that first day the social worker told us she was there to help us with anything we needed, such as hospital problems, billing, insurance, emotional issues, or behavior issues. She said her job was to be there for us, and she was, whenever we needed her.

In addition to social workers, most hospitals have child life specialists, psychiatric nurses, psychiatrists, psychiatric residents, and psychologists on staff who can help you deal with problems while your child is in the hospital. Ask your child’s nurse, treating physician, or the hospital social worker to help you connect with these resources.

We went to a children’s hospital that was renowned in the pediatric cancer field. The medical treatment was excellent, but psychosocial support was nonexistent. The day after diagnosis, we were interviewed for 20 minutes by a psychiatric resident, and that was it. I never met a social worker, and the physicians were so busy they never asked anything other than medical questions. I didn’t know any parents of a child with my daughter’s diagnosis; I didn’t know there was a local support group; I didn’t know there was a summer camp for the kids. I felt totally isolated.