Westwood

UCLA has received a three-year, $500,000-grant from the U.S. Department of Education for a program that helps children who suffer emotionally and developmentally because of prolonged illness or hospitalization.

Children in Hospitals, a Model Program (CHAMP), was started by Drs. Arthur Parmalee, Nancy Brill and Judy Howard, all physicians in the UCLA department of pediatrics.

The program is also designed to help parents cope with the stresses of caring for a seriously ill child.

“Children with chronic illnesses sometimes fall behind in mental development and physical coordination during prolonged illness or hospitalization,” Brill said. “We can reassure parents if this is the case and help them structure activities which encourage normal skills.”