Family participation, eating disorders inpatient handbook CHW

Family is a vital part of the inpatient program. Apart from visiting your child, there are other requirements for parents.

1. Friday family meetings

Generally, all families will have a weekly Friday meeting with the medical team. 

  • A time will be booked with you by the eating disorder registrar.
  • These last about 30 minutes and you will get updates on your child's progress and discuss any questions you have.
  • Weekend leave opportunities will also be discussed.

2. Gates passes

As your child progresses, they will be allowed to leave the ward using gate passes.

3. Family Assessment

One of the senior social workers or clinical psychologists will contact you to have a family assessment in the first 2 weeks of admission. This will include a meeting that goes for about 1.5 hours and involve all family members who live with the inpatient or are important in their life.  

  • If parents are no longer living together, we will negotiate the most appropriate way of gaining all perspectives.
  • The aim of the family assessment is to help all parties think about the best way to understand your child鈥檚 illness and to plan for support after hospital.
  • Family is an important support system and will be the important in helping your child get better.

4. Ongoing sessions and groups

You might also be asked to attend other sessions with multidisciplinary team members as needed to support your child鈥檚 care while in hospital.