Emotional Safety in Pediatrics

Every child deserves emotionally safe care. What is emotional safety? The Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP) defines Emotional Safety as an intentional, interdisciplinary practice to promote resiliency, healing, and trust for pediatric patients and their families during medical experiences.

The Emotional Safety Initiative, developed by the ACLP, promotes resiliency, healing, and trust for children and their caregivers during hospitalizations and other medical interventions.

• Learn about the Emotional Safety Initiative. 
• Explore the four pillars of ACLP's Emotional Safety Framework. 
• Access resources for healthcare providers and caregivers. 
• Read the Emotional Safety in Pediatrics white paper. 

 

2023 Emotional Safety Summit 

The pediatric nursing workforce plays a vital role in ensuring emotional safety for children. In June 2023, the ACLP Board of Directors invited the IPN and other key stakeholders to the Emotional Safety Summit in Grapevine, Texas. IPN members Jessica Peck, DNP, APRN, CPNP-PC, CNE, CNL, FAANP, FAAN and Julia Garcia, DNP, RN, CPNP-PC (pictured above) attended on behalf of the IPN and the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board.  

Thirty-seven representatives were in attendance from various partner organizations including the ACLP, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Pediatric Surgical Nurses Association (APSNA), the American Trauma Society (ATS), the Institute for Health Improvement (IHI), the International Network for Simulation-Based Pediatric Innovation, Research, and Education (INSPIRE), the Joint Commission, the Pediatric Trauma Society (PTS), the Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN), the Beryl Institute, and the Trauma Center Association of America (TCAA). 

Summit Goals: 

• Goal 1: Expand participants' knowledge of the clinical and operational components of the Emotional Safety Initiative in Pediatrics.
• Goal 2: Prioritize framework strategies to operationalize and promote safe, reliable care that creates a culture of emotional safety.

 

What You Can Do

 

Explore the Emotional Safety in Pediatrics white paper for a deep dive into each pillar of the framework and actions you can take to support this initiative where you practice. 

Topics include screening and assessment, communication styles, comfort measures, staff education, and much more.