Pediatric Social Work Services

Supporting Families Every Step of the Way 

Raising a happy, healthy child requires time, patience, love – and sometimes extra support. When a medical condition or life challenge affects your child’s development or well-being, everyday life may feel even more challenging. That’s where we come in. 

Social workers at Cooper University Health Care are an essential part of our health care team. They work closely with families to provide emotional support, practical guidance, and access to necessary resources.  

How We Help  

Counseling and Support 

We help caregivers navigate the emotional and practical challenges that come with a child's medical diagnosis. Whether you’re seeking support for parenting, family dynamics, or helping your child cope with a situation, our social workers are here to guide you. 

Medical Information 

Medical language can often be confusing. Cooper’s social workers serve as a bridge between your family and the clinical team, helping to translate complex information into clear, understandable terms – and ensuring your questions are answered. We also educate families on how to be an informed and active participant in their child's medical care. 

School Issues 

We help coordinate communication between your child’s medical team and their school, so educators understand how a medical condition may impact learning, attendance, or support needs. We also provide ongoing outreach education to schools and community agencies. 

Financial Assistance 

If your child lacks health insurance or your family is struggling to afford care, our social workers can connect you with resources for financial assistance, including:  

• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)  
• NJ FamilyCare (formerly Jersey Care)  
• Medically Needy program  
• Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund  
• NJ Special Child Health Services 

Community Referrals 

From finding transportation to appointments to securing medical equipment or nutrition assistance, we will help connect you with local services that can make daily life easier. We can also assist with referrals to housing, school, visiting nurses, WIC information, and medical equipment referrals. 

We Support a Wide Range of Pediatric Programs 

Our social workers actively participant in the following pediatric specialties at Cooper:  

• Allergy/asthma
• Cardiology
• Cerebral palsy
• Child Development Center
• Endocrinology/diabetes
• Gastroenterology
• General pediatrics
• Hematology/oncology
• HIV
• Infectious Disease Center
• Neonatal follow-up
• Neurology
• Nutrition
• PKU program
• Spina Bifida
• Trauma  

No Cost to Families 

All pediatric social work services are provided free of charge as part of your child’s care at Cooper.