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Family Advisory Network
At SickKids, partnership is about engaging children and families, according to their preference, in an authentic way. This means working hand-in-hand with patients and their families to bring their voices to the table, to learn from their experiences navigating care, and to seek their input in the design of our services and spaces, and in priority-setting and policy-making.
The Family Advisory Network (FAN) is a group of patients, family members and caregivers who volunteer their time in person and from home to make SickKids a better place. Advisors provide a unique perspective and make a difference at all levels of the hospital. For example, they can impact the way staff care for patients at the bedside, advise on the design of our spaces, and lead discussions in development of hospital policies and procedures.
Are you interested in joining the FAN?
We are currently looking for new Patient and Family Advisors! With so many ways to get involved and contribute, membership in the FAN is a great opportunity to make an impact at SickKids. The FAN supports both in-person and virtual engagement in care, research, and education.
FAN Programs
There are a variety of ways that we engage patients, families and caregivers here at SickKids.
Expand the sections below to browse our separate advisory councils for both children and families.
The Voice of Patients, Siblings and Youth
The Children’s Council is a group of patients and siblings, ranging from 12 to 17 years of age, who work together to make SickKids a better place. The Council’s mandate is to strengthen collaborative partnerships between patients, the hospital and the community. The Council aims to provide patients and siblings with a voice that supports the advancement of family-centred care practices and the overall quality of hospitalization.
Council members share their expert perspective and lived experience as patients and siblings with hospital teams to enrich programs and initiatives, and ensure they are wholly supportive of the patient and family experience. Some examples of projects and initiatives the Council has worked on include:
- A video educating volunteers on how to interact with patients on the units.
- Feedback on how to make SickKids a more child and family-friendly facility.
- Co-designing teen programming in the Family Spaces.
- A “Kids’ Voice” version of the hospital’s 2020–2025 Strategic Plan.
- Co-facilitation of a Health Equity Rounds panel presentation on consent and capacity in patient care.
- Co-creation and update of the Meal Train menu.
The Children’s Council is looking for new members!
The Children’s Council has two recruitment periods, one in July before the next year’s session begins, and one in November halfway through the year.
The Children’s Council meets twice each month for a total of 2.5 hours from September to May. One meeting is held virtually and the other in-person at the hospital.
To be a member of the Children’s Council, nominated individuals must be:
- A current inpatient or outpatient at SickKids OR the sibling of a patient at SickKids
- Between 12–17 years old
- Available to come to two monthly meetings (hosted on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month)
- Passionate about sharing ideas for positive change
- Comfortable sharing thoughts and ideas in a group
- Interested in meeting new people and working together on group projects
SickKids Children's Council Nomination Form (PDF)
Follow the instructions on the form to submit your nomination. Successful candidates will be emailed for interviews during recruitment periods. All submissions are held for the next recruitment cycle.
All new Council members will be asked to complete an Immunization Record Form (including getting a 2-step TB test) and register as volunteers.
For more information, please email childrens.council@sickkids.ca
The Family-Centred Care Advisory Council (FCCAC) is a council comprised of Patient and Family Advisors and staff who are committed to enhancing child and family-centred care at SickKids. The FCCAC meet regularly to advise on various hospital policies, initiatives, and plans.
Contact the SickKids Family Advisory Network
For additional information about the Family Advisory Network and our programs and initiatives, please email family.advisory@sickkids.ca.
