We recognize that the support received by a grieving child or youth can significantly influence his/her wellbeing. As a result we aim to connect individuals and organizations who provide services and resources that benefit children and youth who are grieving a death.
WHY A
GRIEF NETWORK
The death of
a parent can represent one
of the most devastating life experiences for children.
OUR
MISSION
To advocate for educational opportunities and support services that will benefit children and youth who are grieving the dying or the death of someone they care about.
Youth desire
inclusion and honest information
both prior to and following the death of someone close
to them.
OUR
VALUES
OUR
VISION
Every child and youth has honest information and
well-informed support when someone they care about is dying or has died.
Every child's rights should be respected
Every child is unique and their response to death is individual
Grief support strives to give children and youth coping skills and increase their resilience to face life events
There should be a broad range of grief support (formal and informal) available to all children and youth
Grief support should be culturally sensitive
Communities need to have capacity to support grieving children and youth: education and access to education, tools and services
Accurate language is especially important in talking to young people about grief and death
HOW TO SUPPORT
GRIEVING
CHILDREN
TEN THINGS
GRIEVING CHILDREN
WANT YOU TO KNOW
#1 Grieving children want to be told the truth.
#2 Grieving children want to be reassured that there will always be someone
to take care of them.
#3 Grieving children want you to know that their grief is long lasting.
#4 Children often cope with grief and loss through play.
#5 Grieving children want you to know that they will always miss the person
who died.
#6 Often grieving children want to share their story and talk about the person
who died.
#7 Every child grieves differently.
#8 Grieving children often feel guilty.
#9 I might be acting out, what I’m really feeling is intense emotions of grief.
#10 If you’re not sure what a grieving child wants, just ask them!
To read the full document please visit the National Alliance for Grieving Children.
The death of a parent or sibling has been found to be one of the most stressful life events that a child or youth can experience.
close to them.
What Kids Want to Know: The 4 C’s
Children need to be reassured:
1) They did not Cause
the illness or death
2) They cannot Catch
the illness
3) They cannot Cure
the illness
4) Someone will take
Care of them
Don’t Be Afraid to Engage: When a child you know experiences the death of a parent, it is important to engage that child on some level. Visit with the family. Share a favorite memory.
Listen and Be Present: Having an opportunity to tell his or her story is often beneficial to a child’s healing process. It is important to really listen when they are sharing.
It’s Okay to Ask: When in doubt, ask a grieving child how you can help. Expect that you might get a range of answers or even a myriad of questions about grief.
Understand How Children Grieve: Children will grieve for the rest of their life. It is important to remember that each child has his or her own way of grieving.
Create Opportunities for Rituals: Rituals can give children tangible ways to acknowledge their grief and to honor the memory of those who have died.
Bring Your Families Together: Although invitations might be turned down, continue to invite grieving children and families to participate in so¬cial gatherings and outings.
Lend a Hand, but Be Specific: Grieving parents to delegate more, but they often hesitate to do so. Don’t wait to be asked— and be specific when you do ask. “Could I take your kids to basketball practice on Tuesday?”
Spread the Word: Make sure to talk to your friends about engaging with grieving families. Be an advocate to ensure that grieving children and families do not have to grieve alone.
Text reproduced from the "Grief Journey of a Child", research made possible by The New York Life Foundation. For the full document, click here.
TIPS TO HELP
GRIEVING CHILDREN
72% of
children
have trouble
concentrating at school after
a loved one
has died.
OUR
FINDINGS
ADDITONAL LINKS AND
SERVICES
The Children and Youth Grief Network Video Series
A video series to inform school staff on how to best support grieving children and youth in the school and in the classroom.
Services Available in the Region of Peel and the Greater Toronto Area
HUUG Program - 1:1 support for children (ages 0-19) that are grieving the dying or the death of a family member for the Peel Region.
Andrea Warnick, private counselling, education and professional consultation, - Serving the Greater Toronto Area, also available is sessions by phone or skype for those out of the region.
Lighthouse Program for Grieving Children - Serving Halton, Peel and GTA Peer Support Groups
Dr. Jay Children's Grief Centre - Provides counselling and group events at no-charge within the city of Toronto. Runs Camp Erin Toronto which is open to bereaved children throughout Southern Ontario.
Bereaved Families of Ontario Halton Peel- Provides open and closed groups for youth and young adults. Provides 1:1 support for youth (ages 14 - 29) that are grieving the death of a loved one.
Websites for Additional Information on Supporting Grieving Children
How to Help a Grieving Child, Dougy Centre
National Alliance for Grieving Child
Region of Peel Children and Youth Grief and Bereavement Needs Assessment
In April 2015, the Children and Youth Grief Network was granted funds from the Region of Peel to conduct a Needs Assessment in the Peel Region. Prepared by Barbara Pidcock and Health Systems Solutions Inc., the needs assessment identified barriers and gaps that prevent or inhibit children and youth from accessing grief and bereavement services. For the full PDF report click here.
Literature Search
The literature search focuses on key articles, reports, etc. published between 2010 and 2015. The articles in the lit search reflect current thinking on the many different aspects of grief and bereavement among children and youth people. To read the literature search click here.
Supplement to Literature Search
The supplement to literature search discusses helplines, chat lines, social media, on-line support, etc. that is available to children and youth when seeking out support with grief and bereavement.To read the supplement search click here.
To receive a copy of the handbook please send us an email to:
This handbook is intended for volunteers who have received formalized training in the field of children’s grief and bereavement support. Its purpose is to help build your confidence as a volunteer supporting grieving children.
As a supporter, you play a very important role in a child’s life - the work you do will not only serve them in their grief, but will help them to cope with other challenges that they might face in their lives.
A HANDBOOK FOR VOLUNTEERS: SUPPORTING CHILDREN GRIEVING THE DYING AND DEATH OF A LOVED ONE
“For adults grief is like wading through this enormous river whereas for children it's puddle jumping, but when they are in that puddle it's no different to the river."
- Julie Stokes
Winston’s Wish
Well informed
support is essential
to help families, children and youth who have experienced
or are anticipating
the death of
a loved one.
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CONNECTED
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Practitioners
from health, education and
social services have
a central role to play in providing support to grieving children and youth.
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