Forgotten Mourners: Grief Support and Education Programs for Schools
Children and teens grieve differently than adults. They may not have the words to express their feelings or they act out their grief. For this reason their grief is often misinterpreted or overlooked. They become the "forgotten mourners". The support and understanding of caring adults can make a significant difference in helping them learn, grow and heal after a loss.
In keeping with our community-oriented approach to grief support, Pathways Hospice has developed the Forgotten Mourners program to help schools support young people on their path through grief. Our offerings include education, consultation and situation-driven debriefing and support.
Educational Seminars
Base on more than 30 years of experience, Pathways Hospice has developed educational seminars to help teachers, counselors and other school staff members better understand grief and loss as experienced by children and teens. Grief can manifest in changes in academic performance, difficulties getting along with others, sudden mood changes, regressive behaviors or school phobia. It is important for the adults in students' lives to recognize these changes for what they are a natural response to loss and to have the knowledge and resources to support students in the experience of grief.
Consultation
Pathways grief counselors are available to consult with school counselors, administrators and/or crisis team members in response to a death (student, family member, staff member.)
We can assist in developing a grief response plan for your school, to reduce the impact when a death occurs. Having a grief response plan already in place facilitates timely support in an environment prepared to provide support for student and staff needs.
Debriefing and support
Providing debriefing and support to school community following a death can be critical in helping cope with a loss. This is especially import following a sudden death, including suicide.
Printed resources for Parents
Printed resources for schools
These printed resources are made available to school personnel as additional resources and information on grief and loss in the school setting.
Children and teens grief
Pathways Hospice offers individual and group counseling for children and teens.. Our grief counselors have specialized training to work with children, that can include play therapy, sand tray therapy, and art therapy. Individual counseling is scheduled directly with a counselor. For information regarding groups and day retreats for children please check the groups section. |
