Duke Community Bereavement Services

Children & Teen Bereavement

For children and teens, the natural expression of grief takes many forms that can be bewildering to adults. The duration of grief varies depending on the child, the child’s background, the availability of support, and circumstances surrounding the death. The child’s developmental level also affects the understanding of death and the ability to express grief. Progression through the normal developmental stages of childhood and adolescence can trigger continued grief responses as the understanding of death develops and the awareness of loss is renewed.

Duke Hospice Bereavement Services therefore offers a variety of programs for children and teens, both in schools and at the Unicorn Bereavement Center in Hillsborough. The programs are developmentally appropriate and tailored to the unique needs of the individual. They are designed to educate children about death and grief, and to assist children in the expression of grief.

Support is available through individual grief counseling, groups, and workshops. We also provide consultation and support for adults who are caring for grieving children or teens. Counseling services are free to our Duke Hospice families, and by donation to all others. Groups and workshops sometimes require a nominal registration fee, and can be adjusted as needed.

For more information, please call William Holloman at (919) 644-6869.

The following programs are currently scheduled:

Just for Kids: A Time of Remembering

Please have your child bring a favorite picture of the loved one s/he is here to remember.

This is a special time for children to share their grief with other children and celebrate the lives of those special people who have died. This session is open to any school aged child. Please call for more information.

How to Help Your Grieving Child

This educational session and discussion will be available for parents and caregivers as the children attend the memorial service.

High School Groups

Coordinated with area high school counselors and held at the

school during school hours. Call for more information.

Camp ReLEAF (Grades K-8)

Overnight bereavement camp for children who have experienced

a loss due to death. Call 919.644.6869 for more information.

May 1-2, 2010

Camp New Hope

$25 registration fee per participant

Registration required