HUGS for Kids

Every child deserves Hope, Understanding, Grace, and Support.

Our HUGS for Kids program benefits children who are admitted to psychiatric units in crisis, and their parents and caregivers. Each kit includes critical resources for the affected youth and their families, comfort items to ease the child’s inpatient stay, and an invitation to our Caregiver Connections meetings.

“These vulnerable patients are feeling hopeless, scared, lonely, unloved and/or unlovable. The IBPF comfort kits will wrap the children in comfort and show them that they are worth it, and that their recovery is real and valued”, says Dr. Carpenter of Sharp Mesa Vista.

Research shows that patients and families who have connection and support have better outcomes when it comes to healing, recovery and continued wellness. In addition, pediatric psychiatric patients historically have not received the same community support that children hospitalized for other reasons have, and IBPF is creating change through the HUGS for Kids program.

HUGS for Kids program offers:

• Notecard with messages of support from IBPF and caregiver
• Teddy bear
• Sweatshirt and pants
• Cozy socks
• IBPF Local Resource Guide
• Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder Book 
• Caregiver Connection Meetings

Dr. Alisha Carpenter of Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital shares the impact of our HUGS for Kids program:

Hear from the kids at Sharp Mesa Vista Hospital, as they share how HUGS uplifts and gives them hope!