To provide a family-centered supportive residence for children and their families while receiving medical treatment.  We believe in keeping families together in the midst of medical crisis, to reduce stress, to promote self-help and mutual support.  We believe that the highest standards of service and unparalleled hospitality help to create a unique healing environment, where families find hope and comfort. 

Please watch the video tour below to become familiar with The Children’s House before your stay.

Amenities

While staying in our hospital housing facility, we aim to provide you with a home-away-from-home while your child is in the hospital. Below are some of the amenities we offer you at The Children’s House:

Eligibility and Room Request

Eligibility

• Patients 17 years old or younger and their families
• Patients ages 18-21, if being treated by a pediatric doctor, will be considered on a case-by-case basis
• Family resides at least 25 miles from The Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. (Mileage exceptions will be made for shock trauma, oncology, and transplant patients)
• If parents are under the age of 21, a guardian will need to stay with them in order to be eligible for housing
• Rooms are prioritized based on critical medical necessity
• Cleared criminal background check for each prospective resident 18 years or older
  • For international families without a social security number, a valid passport/VISA is required (expired passports are not considered valid)

Background Check

We strive to create a healing and safe environment for our residents and in order to meet the needs of our families while maintaining a safe haven for the children, patients, and members of their family. All persons age 18 and older will be required to complete a criminal background check every 2 years, as a basis for receiving accommodations at our facility. Click here to read our background check FAQs.

Room Request/Referrals

• Families: Please reach out to your social worker or medical coordinator and they will submit a housing referral on your behalf
• Medical Professionals: You may enter referrals for families using this link.  https://believeintomorrow.org/resources/for-healthcare-professionals/referral/

Information for your Stay

Important Health Information

We ask families to be aware of the fragile health of those who stay at The Children’s House. Should you or anyone accompanying you experience any of the following symptoms, please contact us at 410.614.2560 as soon as possible:

• Exposure in the past three weeks, prior to check-in to anyone with COVID-19, chickenpox, shingles, measles, tuberculosis, or any other contagious diseases that could pose a threat to others
• Cold symptoms (example: runny nose, cough, sore throat)
• Fever in the 24 hours prior to check-in
• Stomach bug symptoms (example: diarrhea, vomiting)
• Rash
• Exposure to an Antibiotic Resistant Disease (MRSA, VRE etc)

Check-in and Check-out

• Families may check-in between 2pm and 8pm. We ask that you please arrive by 8pm so we can provide a proper orientation/tour of the house without disturbing other families. (Later arrivals must be approved/coordinated with our Director of Family Services in advance.  410.614.2560
• For each adult 18 and over, a valid, photo identification is required upon check-in.
• One vehicle per family is permitted to park in our gated parking lot.  (upon arrival, park in front of the house, we will assist you to unload your car and then direct you to our parking lot.)
• Check-out is by 12 Noon on day of departure.
• If you have a late appointment or flight, you are welcome to store your belongings with us and relax in our common areas until your departure.

During your Stay

House Rules

• Just like any home, The Children’s House has rules and guidelines for its guests. We ask that you please follow the following guidelines during your stay, so that we may provide a safe and comfortable place for all families who are visiting. Failure to comply with our rules may result in forfeiture of your privilege to stay with us. 

Sign In and Out

• For the guest’s safety, we ask each resident to sign in and out as they leave or enter the residence. In case of an emergency, this is our way of knowing who is present in the building. 

Security

• As in any city, one should always take safety precautions. Johns Hopkins security guards are located outside near our residence from 6am-10pm. If you’d feel more secure, the hospital offers complimentary security escorts for patients and visitors. 
• The Children’s House has security cameras installed both inside the building within the common areas and around the outside perimeter.
• A staff member is on site 24 hours/day.

Housekeeping/Room Checks

• Families are responsible for maintaining their rooms during their stay.  Keeping their rooms clean at all times. There are vacuum cleaners and cleaning supplies available in the laundry rooms on each floor. We ask that you clean kitchen areas/dishes after use and place all items properly in the dishwasher. Food and Beverages (with the exception of water) are NOT permitted in the guestrooms. Please consume all food and beverages in kitchen and dining rooms areas only.
• Routine room checks will be performed weekly by staff members. 
• If your room requires maintenance (HVAC issue, toilet or shower problems, etc.), please report the problem to a staff member as soon as possible. Please be aware that maintenance or staff may enter your room to perform the request while the room is vacant.

Getting Around

• Parking: One vehicle per family is permitted to park in our gated parking lot. Paid parking is available next door to our lot. (Credit Card only)
• Hospital: We are located ½ block to Johns Hopkins Hospital. Need to get to the Outpatient Center? Or Kennedy Krieger? Courtesy shuttles are provided free of charge for Johns Hopkins patients and visitors traveling around the Hopkins Campus. The shuttle service will pick up and drop off at The Children’s House. See a staff member for schedule details. 410-502-6880  
• Airport: BWI Airport is located 11 miles from The Children’s House. Cab/car service is suggested.