PEDIATRIC PALLIATIVE AND END-OF-LIFE CARE: DEVELOPMENTAL AND SPIRITUAL ISSUES OF DYING CHILDREN.

Working with children at the end of life is full of witnessing the absolute strength of the human spirit and the irrepressible joy of children. It is also one of the most profoundly painful clinical experiences a social worker is likely to confront. It is full of hope and despair, belief and fear, compassion and sadness. Pediatric palliative care is vital work that requires a distinct set of clinical skills. This paper will address both the necessary skills and the intense emotions associated with this work. It will also focus on the developmental and spiritual issues of children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]