Support for the family
Help from other families, a place to stay near the hospital, support for siblings, and care for the caregivers.
Help from other families
Every state has a Family-to-Family Health Information Center, run by parents of children with special health care needs. They help families find care, understand coverage and get ready for meetings. Your state guide lists yours.
Parent-to-parent programs match you with a parent whose child has a similar condition.
A place to stay near the hospital
Ronald McDonald Houses and other hospital lodging give families a place to stay near their child. Search family support and lodging (on Disability Atlas).
Brothers and sisters
- Siblings often worry, and sometimes feel left out. Give them a little time that is only theirs.
- Many children's hospitals have sibling programs and child life specialists.
- Sibshops are groups for brothers and sisters of children with special needs.
Your own health
Caring for a child with medical complexity is a lot. Respite, sleep and someone to talk to are part of the care plan too. Support for families on MentalHealthAtlas. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.
Last reviewed: November 2026. Programs, rules and phone numbers change. Check with the program named on this page. Report outdated or wrong information.