When death darkens the door: Supporting bereaved children and youth

The death of a significant person represents one of the most powerful disruptions in all aspects of a child or youth’s emotional existence. Yet few professionals, whether in the field of mental health, medicine, or education, receive formal training on how to support bereaved children and youth. The focus of this training will be on supporting children and youth after a death has happened in their lives, regardless of whether the death was a recent event or occurred years ago.

The webinar will identify grief support strategies that can be used with children and youth in a wide variety of settings. “What not to say” to a grieving child, youth, or family member will also be highlighted. Stories and important messages from children and youth that illustrate “best practice” guidelines for supporting a healthy grief process will be shared.

Participants of this webinar will explore:

• Innovative and practical tips for helping children and youth understand the concept of death, and for supporting their grief process
• Strategies for preparing children and youth for funerals, memorials and other ceremonies
• What not to say to a bereaved child or youth
• Literary, web and local supports available to children and youth who have experienced a death

This webinar is part of the Children’s grief and bereavement certificate program. Participants may register for any of the certificate program’s individual webinars as a stand-alone training.