Palliative care for babies, children and teenagers focuses on maintaining quality of life by managing their physical, emotional, cultural, social and spiritual needs, and supporting the family.
Palliative care for young people is provided by health professionals who specialise in the care of children (paediatrics), as well as palliative care experts. It considers the young person’s stage of development, their understanding of their illness and their ability to make decisions.
Most children’s hospitals have specialist paediatric palliative care teams. Family are considered part of the palliative care team. Depending on needs and availability, palliative care may be at home, in hospital or in a children’s palliative care unit.
Organisations that specifically support young people with cancer and their families by providing palliative care, financial assistance, counselling, resources and respite care, are listed below. For more support services, see Seeking support.
The hospital social worker can also provide support and share useful networks in your local community. Or for more support and information, call Cancer Council 13 11 20.
Support for young people and children
Camp Quality – Support for children aged up to 15 and their families, at each stage of cancer, including palliative care and bereavement. Call 1300 662 267.
Canteen – For people aged 12–25 affected by cancer or bereavement. Has an app, interactive online forum, counselling services and palliative care resources. Call 1800 835 932.
Redkite – Emotional guidance (including bereavement support), financial assistance and educational services to young people and their families. Call 1800 733 548.
Youth Cancer Services – Hospital-based cancer treatment and support services for people aged 15–25.
Palliative Care Australia and Paediatric Palliative Care Australia and New Zealand provide detailed resources to help families and carers prepare for situations they may face during their child’s illness. You can download these resources from paediatricpalliativecare.org.au.
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More resources
Prof Meera Agar, Palliative Care Physician, Professor of Palliative Medicine, University of Technology Sydney, IMPACCT, Sydney, NSW; Anne Booms, Nurse Practitioner, Palliative Care, Icon Cancer Centre Midlands, WA; Nicola Champion, Consumer; John Clements, Consumer; Dr Alexandra Clinch, Palliative Medicine Specialist and Deputy Director, Palliative Care, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and Royal Melbourne Hospital, VIC; A/Prof Jaklin Eliott, School of Public Health, University of Adelaide, SA; Dr Jemma Gilchrist, Clinical Psychologist, Mind My Health, NSW; McCabe Centre for Law and Cancer, VIC; Caitlin MacDonagh, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Palliative Care, Royal North Shore Hospital, NSW; Dr Roya Merie, Radiation Oncologist, Icon Cancer Centre, Concord, NSW; Dr Deidre Morgan, Research Centre for Palliative Care, Death and Dying, Flinders University, SA; Caitriona Nienaber, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council WA; Palliative Care Australia.
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