Grief and Loss in Children and Youth

What Will You Learn?

• This workshop is designed for parents and those working with children and youth, regardless of whether they have psychological knowledge and background or not. This course is anchored on one key premise: The affected child still lives within a community of stakeholders. Any MEANINGFUL help rendered must consider his interaction with his environment, including parents and other professionals (such as child protection officers, court, and lawyers).
• As world population ages, we are witnessing an increased number of deaths and illnesses across the globe. Many families have experienced the death of family members or their loved ones developing serious illnesses. Naturally, children and adolescents are affected psychologically and emotionally. Grief and loss is a process; it may be experienced from the onset of the event, eg cancer prognosis, but may not end when the family member dies. Children and youths, too, will experience grief and loss. However, they experience and exhibit grief and loss differently from adults. Unless parents, caregivers, and mental health professionals are trained, they will likely miss signs that their children are struggling emotionally, or know how to support them adequately. As a result of lack of practical support, these children may develop emotional, mental, or behavioral baggages that hinder them throughout their entire lives. This workshop is designed to equip participants with a good understanding of the grief and loss process in children and youth. Participants will learn to identify signs of grief and loss in children. They will practice helpful strategies to help children and youths.