Amputee Care Liaison

An amputation—whether from surgery, trauma or a congenital limb difference—can be a major change for a child and their family. It affects not just the body, but emotions, daily routines, school and friendships. That’s why our amputee care liaison plays a special role in helping your child and your family as you navigate every step of the rehabilitation journey.

Our amputee care liaison is here to support you with education, encouragement and resources so your child can heal, grow and build confidence through every stage of care.

What is an amputee care liaison?

An amputee care liaison is a dedicated member of your child’s care team whose primary role is to help your family understand the amputation experience and what comes next. They act as a bridge between your family, your child’s care team, and the many resources available throughout your child’s recovery and beyond.

Liaisons guide you through the amputation journey. They’re here to listen to your questions and support your child’s emotional well-being. They’ll work with you to make sure your care plan matches your child’s goals.

Why an Amputee Care Liaison Matters in Pediatric Rehab

Amputee care for children is goes beyond physical healing, it includes:

• Emotional support for the child and family
• Clear education about what to expect before and after surgery
• Fun, age-appropriate explanations so kids understand their bodies
• Coordination of medical care, therapy and prosthetic services
• Connection to community and peer support programs

Our amputee care liaison helps ensure that every part of your child’s experience is supported and coordinated, so your family never feels alone

How the Amputee Care Liaison Supports Your Child and Family

Before Surgery: Understanding and Preparation

Going into an amputation—even when it’s planned—can feel scary for kids and parents, but the amputee care liaison will be there every step of the way.

• If your child has questions, they’ll explain what will happen in a way your child can understand.
• They’ll help prepare your child and family for the hospital experience.
• Community is an essential part of recovery. Your amputee care liaison can connect you with other families or mentors who have gone through similar journeys.
• They’ll provide helpful tips on how to prepare for the surgery and recovery.

This early support builds confidence and reduces fear so your child can face surgery—and healing—with courage.

After Surgery: Healing and Coordination

Following surgery, the amputee care liaison stays involved by:

• Supporting wound care education and healing strategies
• Coordinating with surgeons, therapists and prosthetic specialists to keep care plans on track
• Helping your family understand follow-up appointments and therapy goals
• Preparing your child for their first experiences with prosthetic devices

This practical, hands-on support makes recovery less overwhelming and keeps everyone on the same page.

Prosthetic Fittings and Training

Your liaison will also help coordinate prosthetic fittings and trainings while providing education about care and maintenance for the prosthetic. They’ll help:

• Connect you with our prosthetics team that specializes in devices for kids
• Explain what to expect during training
• Encourage your child as they practice walking, running, and playing with their new limb.

Every child learns at their own pace. Some race ahead with excitement, and some need time to get comfortable. No matter what happens, the liaison helps your child feel supported throughout this learning process.

Ongoing Support

Recovery is a lifelong journey. Your amputee care liaison continues to support your family with:

• Referrals to adaptive sports, adaptive playgroups, and recreational activities
• Connections to community events and support groups where kids and parents can meet others with limb differences
• Communication with your child’s school to help teachers and classmates understand your child’s needs
• Resources for emotional support, mentoring and family workshops

This ongoing connection helps your child thrive physically and socially, whether it’s returning to soccer, joining adaptive dance or making new friends who understand their experience.

Your Child’s Care Team

Your child’s amputee care liaison works closely with a whole team of specialists to make sure care is coordinated and tailored to your child’s needs. This team may include:

• Pediatric rehabilitation physicians
• Nurses with wound and rehab expertise
• Physical and occupational therapists
• Prosthetists and orthotists
• Psychologists and social workers
• Child life specialists
• School support professionals
• Family educators

By working together, your care team ensures that physical healing, emotional well-being, therapy goals and everyday life are all treated as important parts of your child’s recovery.

Starting Your Child’s Journey

Your first conversation with the amputee care liaison happens early after your child’s medical team identifies the need for amputation or limb difference care. During this conversation, your liaison will:

• Ask about your child’s unique goals, interests and concerns
• Explain the rehabilitation process in kid-friendly language
• Review how therapy, prosthetic training and follow-up care will fit together

This early partnership sets a supportive tone for your child’s entire care experience.

Family-Centered Education

The liaison helps you feel confident and prepared by sharing practical things like:

• What to expect in therapy sessions
• How to care for the residual limb
• Tips for strengthening balance and mobility
• Questions to ask at clinic visits
• Ways to support your child emotionally

Parents tell us that understanding these steps makes the entire process feel less intimidating and more manageable.

School and Social Support

Kids are kids. Returning to school and activities is an essential part of recovery. Your amputee care liaison can help by:

• Communicating with school teams about mobility needs
• Suggesting classroom accommodations when appropriate
• Helping your child talk with classmates about their amputation
• Connecting you with adaptive play and activity ideas

Building confidence with friends and peers is a key part of recovery.

How Families Benefit from Amputee Care Liaison Support

Parents and caregivers often say that working with an amputee care liaison:

• Reduces uncertainty and stress by explaining steps clearly
• Strengthens confidence to care for their child at home
• Improves coordination of appointments and therapies
• Connects families to community resources
• Provides ongoing emotional support and encouragement

Families who feel supported are better equipped to help their children thrive.

Lifelong Care and Resources

Even after rehabilitation ends, support continues. Your amputee care liaison can help you find:

• Peer support groups where kids and families share stories and encouragement
• Adaptive sports programs for activities like swimming, biking, skiing and more
• Mentorship opportunities that connect kids with others who have similar experiences
• Educational events and family gatherings
• The amputee liaison can also be a connection when your child ages out of pediatric care to help connect you with adult amputee resources.

These opportunities help your child build friendships and confidence.

Why Our Pediatric Amputee Care Is Different

Pediatric care looks at the whole child—not just the limb. That means:

• Developmental focus that adapts as your child grows
• Play-based therapy and learning opportunities
• School involvement and learning support
• Emotional and social encouragement tailored for kids
• Family-first education and guidance

Our amputee care liaison helps make sure your child’s care fits their age, dreams and personality—not just their medical needs.

Taking the Next Step

If your child is beginning the amputation rehabilitation journey or you have questions about amputee care, our team is here to help. Your amputee care liaison is ready to walk with your family every step of the way. Contact us today so your child can grow stronger, more confident and ready for all the adventures ahead.