Social Work
Children and families can be faced with a range of issues either directly related to their hospital admission, or related to external factors which may impact on their long term safety and wellbeing.
Social Workers undertake a range of psychosocial interventions which may assist during a hospital admission or illness.
Social Workers are available to assist patients, their families and carers to help navigate the health system and ensure that their social, emotional and cultural needs are met. Monash Health Social Workers work alongside medical, nursing and other allied health staff as part of the multi-disciplinary treating team.
Phone: (03) 8572 3003

Monash Health provides Social Work services to Monash Children’s Hospital patients in an acute setting within our hospitals.
Social Work services
The Social Work team at Monash Children’s Hospital work with:
- Psychosocial assessment and planning
- Crisis intervention
- Counselling
- Information and referral to community based services
- Bereavement support
- Advocacy to help address family and child needs
- Assistance to families whose babies or children are at risk
Education and training
Monash Children’s Hospital Clayton is a teaching hospital and as such you may encounter Allied Health students who are on their practical placements during your child’s appointment or inpatient stay. The students have a comprehensive support and supervision program in place in order to ensure that all patients receive a professional service.
- Find an external Social worker: https://www.aasw.asn.au/find-a-social-worker/search/
- Raising Children’s Network: https://raisingchildren.net.au/
- Ronald McDonald House Charity: https://www.rmhc.org.au/our-chapters/rmhc-vic-tas
- Very Special Kids: https://www.vsk.org.au/
- Red Nose: https://rednose.org.au/
- Child Protection: https://www.vic.gov.au/dffh/about-us
- Child First/Orange Door: https://services.dffh.vic.gov.au/referral-and-support-teams
- Safe Steps: https://www.safesteps.org.au/
- Housing Support: https://www.housing.vic.gov.au/
- Centrelink: https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/centrelink
- NDIS: https://www.ndis.gov.au/
- Mental Health: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/mentalhealthservices/child/index.htm
- Drug and Alcohol Services: https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/alcohol-and-drugs/aod-treatment-services
Monash Children’s Hospital Acute Social Work service only accepts referrals from within Monash Health. Referrals can be made via EMR for inpatients. There is no outpatient service.
