About Children's Specialized Hospital
View Children's Specialized Hospital Fact Sheet
Children’s Specialized Hospital (CSH), part of the Children’s Health network at RWJBarnabas Health, is the nation’s leading provider of inpatient and outpatient care for children from birth to 21 years of age facing special health challenges – from chronic illnesses and complex physical disabilities like brain and spinal cord injuries, to a full scope of developmental, behavioral and mental health concerns. CSH’s purpose is to provide world-leading, family-centered medical and rehabilitative care for children and youth with unique health challenges so every child can reach their full potential.
CSH is comprised of one state-of-the-art inpatient facility in New Brunswick, which provides comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation for infants through young adults (up to the age of 21) following a serious injury, illness, premature birth, major surgery, chronic illness or pain, or any other life-changing incident. CSH also offers pediatric Long Term, Respite and Palliative Care services for children with complex medical conditions. Their two Long Term Care (LTC) facilities in Mountainside and Toms River are home to many medically fragile children whose families’ current circumstances no longer allow them to be cared for in the home or other community setting. Additionally, CSH provides outpatient care covering an array of programs and services at 12 outpatient facilities across the state.
In 2024, CSH introduced three new Centers of Excellence for Autism, Brain Injury, and Chronic Pain and Functional Neurological Disorders (FND). While each of these COEs is unique in the services they provide and patient population they care for, they all revolve around the same four cornerstones:
- Services: Recognizing the importance of access, early identification, clinical innovation, timely treatment and direct care pathways to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients.
- Training: Striving to educate the world on understanding the needs of individuals with autism, brain injuries, chronic pain and functional neurological disorders in order to improve access and quality of supports throughout their communities.
- Advocacy: Appreciating diversity and supporting individuals in their pursuit of functional independence and social, health care and educational equity. While also recognizing the critical role social determinants of health play in an individual’s health.
- Research: Dedicating resources to the scientific exploration required to better understand and effectively support individuals with autism, brain injuries, chronic pain and functional neurological disorders.
At the center of CSH’s care model is their philosophy to partner with every child and family in their health care journey and decisions. CSH’s Patient- and Family- Centered Care Department is comprised of Family Faculty, which are employees who are parents, caregivers and family members of children who have received or are still receiving services at CSH. Their own day-to-day experiences provide a unique perspective, understanding and empathy for families going through similar situations. The role of Family Faculty is to empower families to become strong advocates for their children. CSH also engages a 25-member Family Advisory Council to assist with hospital initiatives and further family centered care goals.
Children's Specialized Hospital Purpose
The purpose of Children’s Specialized Hospital is to provide world-leading, family-centered medical and rehabilitative care for children and youth with unique health challenges so every child can reach their full potential.
