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Hospitals

Children's - Minneapolis
2525 Chicago Avenue South
(612) 813-6000

Children's - St. Paul
345 North Smith Avenue
(651) 220-6000

Outpatient Sites

Children's Clinics - Woodwinds
1825 Woodwinds Drive, Woodbury

Children's - Maple Grove
7767 Elm Creek Boulevard, Suite 300

Children's - Roseville
1835 West County Road C

Children's West
6050 / 5950 Clearwater Drive, Minnetonka

Family Advisory Council

For Families & Patients


The Family Advisory Council is a diverse group of families whose children are present or past patients of Children’s. Council members represent a wide range of inpatient and outpatient experiences to help enhance the quality of child and family care experiences at Children’s. Specifically, council members:

Develop, implement, and evaluate service and facility standards.
Communicate with management the recommendations and concerns expressed by parents, family members, parent associations, and others.
Advise on policy review.
Promote family-centered care.
Support program development.

The council meets on the first Tuesday of every month from 6 to 8 p.m., alternating locations between the Minneapolis and St. Paul hospital campuses. If you would like to observe a council meeting, or have suggestions for future agenda topics, please e-mail or call the council in advance at (612) 813-7696.
In May 2007, Family Advisory Council awarded James Dufort, MD, the "Excellence in Family-Centered Care Award" in recognition of his compassionate above-and-beyond approach to advancing the tenets of this award: family strength, respect, choice, communication, support, flexibility, collaboration, and constancy.

We present this award two times a year. Nominations must be submitted by Feb. 15, 2008. Consider a nomination today!
The Family Advisory Council publishes a wide range of documents and resource materials to help educate families and staff on the work of the council, to connect families in need of support and information, recognize staff who demonstrate a commitment to family-centered care, and more.
Family Resources and Materials

"Welcome to Children's" video
FAC recently helped with a great new "welcome" video that answers a lot of important questions you and your child might have about visiting Children's.


  Play the video
Lus Hmoob, Iyo Soomalli, En Español




Join the Family Advisory Council

You have important views and experiences that cannot be taught in any other way. Consider the opportunity to contribute your unique perspective as a member of the Family Advisory Council. FAC has completed recruiting for January 2008 membership; however, applications are always welcome for consideration for the following year’s recruiting period. Becoming a council member is a four-step process:
  1. Learn about the time commitment and expectations of participation and training.
  2. Submit the two-page member application form (PDF) and background check.
  3. Interview with the Family Advisory Council recruitment committee (scheduled by the recruitment committee).
  4. The council communicates new–member election results in December.
Also advocating for patients and families, the Youth Advisory Council is an eleven-member team of current and past patients (ages 10 to 18 years old) that helps hospital staff, leaders, doctors, and parents understand what is important to children, teens, and siblings during hospital stays, clinic visits, and emergency care.

YAC brings a valuable perspective and voice to Children’s by participating in activities that promote discussion and thought about health care services for pediatric and young adult patients. The council also brings great perspective to let other children know how to make their stay at Children’s a more comfortable and positive experience.
Youth Advisory Council

Contact the Council

(612) 813-7696
E-mail the council

Next council meeting is Tuesday, June 3

Learn more
These are the inspiring and real tales of our patients and their family members. Read others' and share yours here.
 
"The members of the Family Advisory Council are dedicated to advancing the practice of family-centered care throughout the organization. We partner with staff by sharing the experience of all families who use services at Children’s."

Melissa Winger
Chair 2005-2006
Family Advisory Council