Wellness Ministries | Handbook for Visitation Children and Youth

New HANDBOOK FOR VISITATION with CHILDREN AND YOUTH from UCC Wellness Ministries Visiting a child or youth with one or more family members present differs from visiting adults. Meeting the needs of these two distinct age groups simultaneously can be challenging. Pediatric chaplains and faith formation leaders are the primary contributors to this Handbook. Some visits will occur in a hospital, while others will take place in pediatric rehabilitation, and many more will happen in their family homes. The steps for preparing for the visit are briefly outlined. Activities that engage the child, such as Bible stories, children's literature, songs to sing, and blessings, are recommended. If prayer is desired, options range from simple three-line prayers for younger children to longer prayers for older children and youth who have specific requests. Everyone can participate in the suggested 5-Finger Prayer or a Breath Prayer. A prayer that can be offered with a family whose child is seriously i