Bereavement: A Framework for those Working with Children

Abstract

This article aims to describe psychological factors which help or hinder coping with bereavement in childhood. Children can and do cope with the death of those close to them if they know what is happening and have the appropriate support to cope. However, children suffering from loss are likely to be in the care of adults who are also grieving and there is a need to support the adults and to mobilize other resources for the child. We discuss the timing and appropriateness of interventions from all those working with children and, in particular, for the child mental health and other specialist services in supporting children and families through the process of bereavement.