George Mark Children’s House

Innovative and Exemplary (2019):

George Mark Children’s House, in San Leandro, California, provides individualized, residential medical care and caring attention to children birth to 22 years with complex physical and medical needs, offering parents and families respite from ongoing physical and emotional caregiving responsibilities. Opened in 2004 as the first facility of its kind in the U.S, services are offered 24 hours, 365 days a year.

Individualized case management and service coordination are conducted by an interdisciplinary team providing therapeutic guidance and recommendations from medical, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual perspectives to develop a personalized care plan for every child and family in alignment with their goals and cultural values. The palliative aquatic program was expanded to outpatient individuals who can benefit from an Aquatic Registered Nurse led team who supports the different medical needs of children and their families.

George Mark recruits, trains and supports more than 200 volunteers who provide more than 8,500 hours of support. They continue to increase their visibility by creating and strengthening community partnerships, including sharing information with medical and nursing schools, to support awareness to the array of  services you offer patients, their siblings, and parents/ caregivers (Respite Program, Bereavement program, Palliative Aquatics Program Expansion, Transitional Care Program, and End of Life Care). George Mark Children’s House is a model for and leader of the national movement to expand pediatric palliative care houses offering respite care through their work with the Like House Coalition.

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Programs are initially reviewed after three years to assess continued status as Innovative and Exemplary, and every five years thereafter. Following their second review, recognition of George Mark Children’s House as Innovative and Exemplary was extended to January 1, 2031.