Infants, children and young people
Approximately 3700 Queensland families are living with a child or young person with a life-limiting condition. The emotional, physical and financial struggle for these families can be immense.
Care at the end of life and palliative care for infants, children and young people with a life-limiting condition involves care and support for physical, emotional, psychological, cultural, spiritual and social needs. Care focuses on quality of life—it does not mean withdrawing all treatment.
Support is provided for infants, children and young people with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their parents, siblings, grandparents, school and community.
Care at the end of life and palliative care can be provided at:
- home
- children’s hospital
- local hospital
- hospice.
Working together to provide care
Children’s Health Queensland is committed to the family-centred philosophy of care. We recognise that each family is unique, that family is the constant in a child’s life and that you as a family are the experts on your child’s quality of life, needs and goals.
We work with your family to make informed decisions about the services you need and ensure the strengths and needs of all your family members are acknowledged.
Dignity, control, respect and support are central to the care our service offers to children and families.
Paediatric Palliative Care Service
Children’s Health Queensland’s Paediatric Palliative Care Service cares for infants, children and young people with a variety of illnesses. The service is based in Brisbane but forms part of a statewide network of healthcare providers to support families across Queensland. Our team will work in partnership with the child’s primary treating team (GP or paediatrician).
Find out more about Children's Health Queensland Paediatric Palliative Care Service.
Bereavement Support Program
Children’s Health Queensland’s Bereavement Support Program provides loss and grief counselling and support to families at any time during a child’s palliative and end-of-life care and their family’s bereavement.
Some parents value having someone they can talk with about their hopes, and fears and the emotions associated with grieving through this difficult time.
The Bereavement Support Program provides:
- individual and family counselling
- information and resources
- monthly bereavement support group in Brisbane
- professionally facilitated telegroup program
- newsletter
- consultation and support for health professionals throughout Queensland and northern New South Wales.
Learn more about the Bereavement Support Program.
Hummingbird House
Hummingbird House is Queensland’s only children’s hospice. It is located in Brisbane and provides short break stays, family wellbeing services, creative therapies, and care at the end of life, for children with life-limiting conditions and their families.
Learn more about Hummingbird House.
Planning ahead
Children and young people under 18 can participate in advance care planning. However, children and young people under 18 cannot complete legal advance care planning documents, including an advance health directive, enduring power of attorney and a will.
Talk to your healthcare team for more information about advance care planning for children and young people under 18.
Read more about consent for children and young people under 18.
Other resources
- Learn more about children’s grief and loss or speak with your healthcare providers for more information
- Palliative Care Australia—Teenagers and Children