Acquired brain injury (ABI) is defined as damage to the brain done after birth with no association to a person’s genetic background (World Health Organization, 1996). ABI may result in temporary or life-lasting damage to one’s physical, social and psychological abilities, which can significantly impact a child’s reintegration to their community (Holbrook, 2007). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half a million (473,947) emergency visits due to ABI are made annually by children between the ages of 0 to 14 years (n.d.). Once these children leave the hospital, often after an extended stay, they are faced with needing to reintegrate into their communities. Despite the prevalence of pediatric brain injury and the challenges it presents, there is not much research on the connections between outpatient services, family systems and community reintegration. Yet such an understanding is critical to develop effective reintegration plans and processes for children with brain injuries and their families. The study will take a broad approach that helps identify the needs of families with children with ABI. This will be obtained by interviewing caregivers of children who have an ABI. Daily diaries will also be given to caregivers to submit, the option of a daily diaries of children will be given if the ABI is not severe and their age exceeds 5 years. The long-term goal is to construct effective and practical intervention systems that will enable families to reintegrate into their communities more effectively.
