(Revised 4/01)

Purpose:
To ensure a child and family-friendly atmosphere at the Children's Hospital of Iowa [CHI] by advising hospital staff and administration on issues regarding hospitalization and/or treatment in outpatient clinics as experienced through the eyes of a child.

Goals:

• To incorporate the thoughts of children who receive treatment at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital, and to advise employees and administration of specific areas of interest.
• To keep children's issues as the focal point of Children's Hospital of Iowa.
• To be viewed as a positive reinforcement of the Family Centered Care concept.
• To include members of the Youth Advisory Council at special hospital functions as official representatives for all children.
• To assist in environmental designs and offer programmatic suggestions specifically related to children's areas.
• To function as an autonomous organization within the organizational structure of CHI, making a difference in the lives of sick children.
• To represent the University of Iowa Children's Hospital within the community.

Organization:
The Youth Advisory Council will report to University of Iowa Children's Hospital Advisory Subcommittee and will be facilitated by Child Life Program staff. Recommendations from the council will also be channeled to other standing councils or committees of CHI. Funds to establish the Youth Advisory Council have been requested from the Children's Miracle Network Telethon to cover meeting costs, supplies and projects for one year. Meetings will be held six times a year.

Membership Selection:
Each pediatric department will be requested to make recommendations of potential child members. Upon receiving the recommendations, nominees will be contacted about participating in the Youth Advisory Council. There will be no more than 15 members on the council. Vacancies will be filled yearly as needed.

Membership Criteria/Responsibilities:

• Children must be at least 12 years old and should be no older than high-school age.
• Children who are hospitalized at the time of the scheduled YAC meeting can be invited to attend the meeting as ex-officio members.
• Members can be current patients, past patients, or siblings of a patient.
• Members must demonstrate a desire to help make Children's Hospital of Iowa a welcome environment for children.
• Members will meet at least six times per year to talk about what is important to children, teens, and siblings.
• If possible, members will serve for a term of two years.
• Members who are unable to fulfill their commitment by attending at least 50% of meetings without an excuse may be asked to step down.

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