The Pediatric Palliative Care Program was created to enhance the quality of life for children with life-limiting illness and their families by providing supportive services. To qualify for the program, the child must be 18 years old or younger, a resident of Massachusetts, and a physician must certify that the child has been diagnosed with a life-limiting condition.

Life-limiting illnesses are those illnesses that would limit the normal life expectancy of the child.  Examples would include:

• Cystic fibrosis
• Severe cerebral palsy
• Major organ failures
• Progressive cancers
• HIV
• Progressive genetic, neurological, or metabolic disorders.

Unlike hospice care, there is no requirement for a six-month prognosis, and the children may continue with curative treatments.

Services range from simple to complex. dependent upon the individual needs.  Services may include:

• Pain and symptom management
• Case management
• Social services
• Counseling
• Volunteer support
• Respite care.

There are no fees; services are provided at no cost to eligible children and their families.

For more information or to make a referral,

please call 800-249-8298