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.

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Family Involvement Report

Involving families in every aspect of care, at the very beginning of everything we do, is essential in helping Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota deliver a true model of family-centered care. We believe we go further to respect and recognize that both staff and family bring knowledge, skills, and experience to caring for a child. Take a moment to review this family involvement report and see how families are making a difference at Children's every day.

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A Commitment to Family-Centered Care

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. Consider a nomination today!

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Family Resources and Materials

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

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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), background check (PDF), and one-page HIPAA Quiz (PDF).
3. Interview with the Family Advisory Council recruitment committee (scheduled by the recruitment committee).
4. The council communicates new–member election results in December.

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Youth Advisory Council (YAC)

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