Child/Teen Bereavement
Children and Teen Bereavement Program
The Children and Teen Bereavement Program offers grief education and support to children and teens as they cope with the multitude of changes and emotions they experience after the death of a family member or close friend. Children and teens grieve differently from adults; for that reason, it is important to allow them to communicate their feelings with their peers who have experienced a similar loss. The program encourages children and teens to ask questions and talk about the person who has died through a range of innovative activities, including games, art, puppets, role-plays, and stories. Our program has been successful at reducing children’s and teen’s sense of isolation, lessening the intensity and duration of overwhelming grief reactions and teaching healthy alternatives for expressions of grief. At HSC, we believe children can eventually reach a place of resolution and adjustment to loss. Hospice Support Care has been providing free services to children and teens in PD16 since 1980.
Child Bereavement
The Children’s Bereavement Program provides services to children ages 5 to 12 who have lost a loved one. The program includes:- Kids Helping Kids: Bimonthly peer support group designed to assist children in coping with grief and loss, to normalize loss and grief, and to have a safe venue in which to express their thoughts and feelings.
- Camp Rainbow: Overnight weekend camp scheduled in mid-spring. This camp provides a caring environment to assist children cope with loss, build trust and self-esteem, and learn coping skills through a series of recreational activities and groups.
- Counseling: Informal, brief counseling to prepare a child for the Kids Helping Kids group
The goals of the Children’s Bereavement Program include:
- To develop a basic understanding of death and dying.
- To assist children in coping with grief and loss.
- To learn to express thoughts and feelings appropriately.
- To normalize feelings of loss and grief.
- To learn social skills and meet friends who can empathize and understand.
Activities include:
Other information about the program:
- The Children’s Bereavement Program is a free service to the community. Donations are gladly accepted.
- Kids Helping Kids is an open, voluntary group. Parents/family are encouraged to involve their children in the decision-making to attend the group.
- Camp Rainbow is open to all children in the community who have experienced a loss. They do not have to be enrolled in Kids Helping Kids to attend.
- All children and their parents/family must meet with the Children’s Bereavement Coordinator to determine if the child is prepared for the group and if the child is appropriate for the group setting.
- Hospice Support Care and the Children’s Bereavement Program are non-denominational.
Teen Bereavement
Teens Helping Teens: Bimonthly group for teens ages 13 through seniors in high school. T.H.T. is peer support group for teens that have lost a loved one. Teens that have experienced a significant loss benefit from knowing that they are not alone. At this age in which peer relationships are very important, teens offer their experience, wisdom, and support in a safe and unique home-like setting. Adult and teen facilitators’ will guide discussions and activities related to grief and receive helpful information pamphlets and handouts that they can discuss with their families. Groups will continue for 6-8 sessions. All programs are offered through Hospice Support Care at no charge. However, we do ask that you meet with one of our staff prior to attending a group. For more information on any of these programs, please call us at (540) 361-7071 or send an e-mail.
