Bereavement Support in Central and West-Central Minnesota Schools: An Exploratory Study

This study explored the need for services for school-aged children who have experienced the death of a close family member. Grieving parents and other adult caregivers may have difficulty supporting and assisting these children through the grief process. School social workers from fourteen school districts in central and west-central Minnesota were involved in this study. The results showed that the schools provide services which deal with children\u27 s grief issues. Other needs as identified by the social workers included: 1) increased school social workers to support these students; 2) additional trainings in the area of working with grieving children; and 3 ) an increase in supportive community resources. This study will provide school social workers, the local Hospice programs and The Grief Center coordinator information about the needs for additional services for grieving children. Children and adolescents who are grieving have need for adults who can offer support and understanding