Research In Action

Injury or illness can affect the whole family, and distress among children and families in medical settings is common, expected, and understandable. While many families cope well when given support and time, some may develop persistent traumatic stress reactions that can impede health and psychosocial functioning. When a child experiences injury or illness, their siblings may be sad, worried, frightened, or even angry, and it can be difficult for caregivers to meet everyone’s needs at the same time.

This April, in honor of Sibling Month, Ryan’s Case for Smiles and the Center for Pediatric Traumatic Stress (CPTS) will be hosting a three-part webinar series, “What About Siblings?: Understanding and Supporting Siblings of Children with Illnesses and Injuries”, in order to address the unique challenges of siblings and to provide resources to caregivers and providers to better support their needs.

• Session 1: In My Words: The Sibling Experience as Told by Siblings
  • Wednesday, April 12, 1:00-2:30 pm
  • Panelists: Caren Hoffman, Eric Santos, Sam Steward, and moderator Katie Holcomb
  • Session Registration: https://primetime.bluejeans.com/a2m/register/pczujaxd
  • Siblings of children with illnesses or injuries face a unique set of challenges which are often overlooked or misunderstood. In this webinar, a panel of siblings will provide a look into their experiences of their brother/sister’s illnesses, as well share insights into the support they found helpful and what they wish others knew.
• Session 2: Traumatic Stress Among Siblings of Children with Chronic Conditions: Research into Patterns, Predictors, and Treatments
  • Wednesday, April 19, 1-2 pm
  • Presenter: Melissa Alderfer, Ph.D., Nemours Children’s Hospital-Delaware
  • Session Registration: https://primetime.bluejeans.com/a2m/register/abyezxtq
  • When a child is diagnosed with an illness or injury, the entire family is affected, including siblings. This webinar will provide an overview of research into traumatic stress among siblings, as well as current trauma-based interventions being developed and evaluated to support siblings in a range of settings.
• Session 3: Supporting the Invisible Child: Current Resources for Siblings
  • Wednesday, April 26, 1-2pm
  • Presenter: Melissa Lusk, B.S., CCLS and Katie Holcomb, Ryan’s Case for Smiles
  • Session Registration: https://primetime.bluejeans.com/a2m/register/vsxydurs
  • Support for the entire family, including siblings, is a critical component of family-centered care, yet lack of staffing and resources often means pediatric facilities are not able to provide services to all patients and family members. This webinar will cover current digital and in-person interventions available to siblings in healthcare and community settings to help practitioners build a comprehensive sibling support program that fits their facilities’ capabilities and needs.

This series is free and open to the public. Continuing education credits will be available to social workers and certified child life specialists for each session. For more information, visit: https://copingspace.org/sibconference2023/