FAQ's

A: Patients enrolled in pediatric protocols at the National Institutes of Health up to their 30th birthday and their families are eligible to stay at The Children’s Inn.

A: For information on booking your reservation, visit our reservations page.

A: There is no charge to families for staying at The Inn.

A: The Children’s Inn never closes. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A Resident Services Manager is always on-site and available to answer questions and assist you with anything you need.

A: Yes. Due to the high demand for rooms, The Inn can become full. Families are encouraged to make reservations as soon as they know the patient’s appointment date to limit the chance of The Inn being full.

A: If The Inn is full, families are referred to their social worker, who will assist in making alternative arrangements. Families will also be added to a wait list, which is reviewed on a weekly basis.

Q: Why does The Children’s Inn at NIH completes a criminal background check for all residents and family members over the age of 18?
A: The Inn’s highest priority is to maintain the safest home environment that is possible. Requiring criminal background checks is the standard today in most children’s organizations (schools, clubs, hospitals and PTAs) for the safety and protection of all those involved. This has been a requirement for all employees, staff, volunteers and families of The Inn.

Q: How frequently will the background checks be done?
A: Each criminal background check will be updated every three years from the date of the month it was last submitted.

Q: What will you do with the information in my background check that does not pertain to crimes of violence or crimes involving minors?
A: The Inn will only be requesting background information that pertains to crimes of violence or crimes involving minors.

Q: Can information found in my background check disqualify me or my family member from staying at The Children’s Inn?
A: If your background check reveals a history of crimes of violence or crimes involving a minor, The Inn may decide that you need to seek accommodation elsewhere. The Inn may contact your social worker to assist in making alternate accommodations.

The information found during the background check will not affect or disqualify the patient or family member from treatment at the NIH.

Q: Who will have access to my background check and where will it be stored after it is requested?
A: The company TriCor produces your background check results. The Children’s Inn Resident Services team views completed background checks through TriCor but does not store any completed checks.

Q: Who needs to complete the background check?
A: Any patient or person accompanying the patient who is over the age of 18 making a reservation at The Inn will need to complete a background check.

Q: What will happen if I refuse my background check or it is not received by the date of my reservation?
A: If your background check is not received by the date of your reservation, you may be required to find other accommodations. This is to ensure the safety or all families staying at The Inn.

Q: Will I have to pay for this background check?
A: There is no cost to our families for the background check.

Q: Will I receive a copy of the background check results?
A: A copy will be made available to you at your request.

A: The NIH has a campus shuttle that makes stops at The Children’s Inn. The schedule is:

Monday – Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 11:49 p.m.
Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

The shuttle cycles through these four stops:

• The Children’s Inn
• The Safra Family Lodge
• The NIH Clinical Center
• The Metro

The Children’s Inn offers a special car service for individual families traveling to and from local airports. Visit the During Your Stay page for more detailed information on how to obtain shuttle service while staying at The Inn.

A: There are three large communal kitchens where residents may cook their family’s favorite foods. Each kitchen has community refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, dishwashers and “help yourself” pantries with non-perishable food items for all families to use. Local organizations and community groups donate dinner for the entire Inn several nights each week as well. During the pandemic, The Inn provides three meals a day for families. Learn more.

A: During the pandemic, groceries are being delivered to The Inn. Families can sign up to receive grocery deliveries by visiting childrensinn.org/grocerylist or speaking to a Resident Services Manager.

A: Yes, there is WiFi throughout The Inn.

A: There is a television with a Roku equipped with Netflix and Disney+ in each guest room.

A: The Inn has a limited number of strollers/car seats for family use. Please see the Welcome Desk for assistance.

A: You may contact The Children’s Inn at 301-496-5672 or email our Resident Services team at reservations@childrensinn.org. We are available 24/7.