Children’s Grief Support

1 in 20 children will suffer the loss of 1 or both parents, before the age of 19. 1 in 5 children will experience the death of someone close to them including, a brother, sister, grandparent or other close family member or friend. Grieving children often feel set apart, different from their peers, alone and misunderstood.

Children who have lost a parent or guardian exhibit:

  • Difficulty concentrating in class
  • Withdrawal/disengagement and less class participation
  • School absenteeism
  • Decrease in quality of class work
  • Less reliability in turning in assignments

Community Hospice not only believes in providing compassionate care for patients, we also care deeply about the families of our patients. Many children struggle in their own grief journey. We offer several free programs for children and teens.

School Grief Program

Programs are 6 to 8 weeks long for children and teens in grades K-12. Our specially trained facilitators use writing, music, art and discussion to guide children through their grief journey. Groups offer a unique opportunity for peer bonding alongside others that are facing similar life circumstances.

Camp Erin® of the Central Valley

Camp Erin of the Central Valley is part of the largest network of free bereavement camps in the country and is designed for children and teens ages 6-17 who have experienced the death of someone close to them. This four-day camp offers a life changing experience. Camp is filled with traditional camp fun, interactive grief activities, education and emotional support. Camp is led by grief professionals and trained volunteers. Camp Erin of the Central Valley provides a unique opportunity for grieving children to bond alongside peers who are facing similar circumstances. Campers benefit by learning they are not alone and that there are others who share similar feelings; that their feelings are perfectly normal; healthy ways to express their feelings; and to honor/remember the person who died. For more information about Camp Erin of the Central valley visit, www.camperincentralvalley.org.

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