Family Bridge Program

The Family Bridge Program consists of 7 components, delivered by a trained lay navigator, the Guide. The program includes: (1) orientation to the hospital, unit, room, and hospital resources (e.g., toiletries, loaner phone chargers); (2)unmet social needs assessment, followed by connection to appropriate resources (e.g., food vouchers, community-based transportation); (3)communication and cultural preference assessment (eg, preferred language, comfort asking questions, and health-related cultural beliefs), which is communicated to the medical team and documented in the electronic health record;(4)communication coaching for parents/caregivers to help them clarify and practice asking questions of the medical team; (5)emotional support via daily check-ins during the hospital stay; (6)assistance with logistics ; and (7)one follow-up phone call, 2 days post-discharge, to address remaining questions and connect families to ongoing services if needed.

Families randomized to the control arm will receive FBP written resources, which the Guide (and interpreter, as needed) will review with them over \~5-15 minutes one time. This includes information on hospital services (e.g., cafeteria coupons), community resources (e.g., food and housing support), the structure and roles of the medical team, and the daily hospital schedule. Parents will be informed that their child's nurse is available to help them.