In this thesis, I would like to draw attention to the impact of long-term illness and prolonged hospitalization on the life of the ill child and his family. The effects of the illness are often overlooked and people do not receive the assistance they need to deal with it. In the theoretical part of the thesis, I define the term »long-term« illness and I pay attention to different strategies to cope with it. I indicate signs that show the presence of consequences of the long-term illness and prolonged hospitalization and I introduce those signs into the school premises considering the education legislation. I present the current situation of working with long-term ill child and his family and try to accommodate the profile of social pedagogue in the work with long-term ill children. The empirical part of the thesis consists in getting first-hand information from people directly working with long-term ill children about coping with long-term illness, current situation in Slovenia and their suggestions for possible improvements. Analysis of the interviews shows that the situation is improving; there is more awareness on the impact of long-term illness and prolonged hospitalization on the life of a child and his family. The psychological support is increasing and so is the cooperation of everyone involved - health professionals, schools and parents. Nevertheless, the situation is still far from ideal. Many improvements are needed, especially a greater awareness of this issue among the public.
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