This workshop explores childhood grief (i.e. death of a parent, sibling or significant other), which can affect children’s development, relationships, achievement, and later effectiveness in life. We will describe normal grief and the grieving process and then discuss how this may be compounded by complex trauma. The information will be useful for social & community services professionals, parents, foster carers, educators, and others working with children who are experiencing intense grief responses.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Define normal grief and the grieving process for children & young people.
2. Discuss common reactions to grief: physical, behavioural, emotional, social, cognitive and spiritual responses.
3. Explore the link between childhood trauma and intense grief responses.
4. Discuss the Adult Attachment Interview and how parents and carers can support children who are bereaved.
5. Apply a range of healing strategies to support recovery for children & young people who are bereaved.