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Bereavement Support

CHKD's Grief, Loss, and Remembrance Program provides resources and ongoing support to help families navigate grief while honoring the life and memory of their child.

Bereavement Support for Families

The loss of a child touches every member of a family in deeply personal ways. Parents, siblings, grandparents, and loved ones may each experience grief differently, and there is no right or wrong way to navigate that journey. 

CHKD's Bereavement Support Program is here to listen, answer questions, and provide compassionate support tailored to each family's unique needs. Whether you're looking for information about grief, guidance and emotional support, referrals to counselors and community resources, support for siblings and extended family members, or opportunities to honor and remember your child through remembrance programs and events, we're here to help you find the resources and support that feel right for you.

How We Support Families

Resources for Families
Grief can bring many emotions and questions. Families may feel sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, or even moments of relief. Our resources can help families better understand grief and adjust to life after a loss.

Resources may include:

  • Information for parents

  • Support for brothers and sisters

  • Information for grandparents

  • Tips for helping children understand death

  • Guidance for anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays

  • Advice for friends and family members who want to help

  • Books and recommended reading

Memory-Making and Keepsakes
Creating memories can help families honor the life of their child. Keepsakes may also provide comfort in the future.

Depending on a family’s needs and the services available, memory-making opportunities may include:

  • Memory boxes

  • Handprints or footprints

  • Photographs and personal mementos

  • Special remembrance items

  • Written resources for families

Please speak with a member of your child’s care team or the Bereavement Support Team to learn which options are currently available.

Ongoing Family Outreach
Our care for families does not end when they leave the hospital. CHKD may continue to reach out with information, support, and opportunities for remembrance.

Outreach may include:

  • Sympathy and remembrance messages

  • Seasonal mailings or activities

  • Information about grief support

  • Invitations to remembrance programs or events

Counseling and Community Referrals
Every family experiences grief differently. Some people find comfort by talking with family or friends. Others may benefit from a counselor, support group, or faith leader. CHKD can help connect families with additional support.

Counseling and community referrals may include:

  • Community grief counselors

  • Mental health providers

  • Grief support groups

  • Faith-based resources

  • Local and national bereavement organizations

Annual Remembrance Event
Each year, CHKD brings families together to honor and remember children who have died.

This event offers a quiet and caring space for reflection, remembrance, and connection.

Activities may include:

  • Reading the names of children being remembered
  • Music and moments of reflection
  • Memorial activities
  • Opportunities to connect with other families
  • Messages of hope and remembrance

Event details, including the date, location, and registration information, will be shared with families when available.

Support for Siblings
CHKD offers information to help families support grieving children and teens.

Children do not always grieve in the same way as adults. Their reactions may depend on their age, development, personality, and relationship with the child who died.

Some children may ask many questions. Others may become quiet, worried, angry, or more dependent on adults. Their feelings may also change over time.

CHKD offers the following information to support grieving children and teens.

Topics may include:

  • Understanding death at different ages

  • Coping with strong or confusing emotions

  • Finding ways to remember a brother or sister

  • Returning to school

  • Restarting routines and daily activities

  • Knowing when a child may need added support

Support for Healthcare Professionals
CHKD provides education and support to help team members care for grieving families with compassion and respect.

Supporting Bereaved Families: Guidance for Providers and Staff (PDF)

Caring for a child and family during a serious illness or death can be difficult for healthcare professionals.

Areas of support may include:

  • Compassionate and clear communication

  • Cultural and spiritual needs

  • Grief-informed care

  • Supporting families during and after a loss

  • Staff support following the death of a patient

Contact the Bereavement Support Team

Email: GriefSupport@chkd.org

Related Resources

View Bereavement Resources

Remembrancemile

Remembrance Mile at RunWalk for the Kids

Join the Bereaved Parents Advisory Council for the Remembrance Mile at the 20th Annual RunWalk for the Kids, special space to honor, celebrate, and remember children who will forever remain in our hearts. Families are invited to gather along the route and pay tribute in ways that honor their child's memory while cheering on participants. Participation is free and does not require RunWalk registration.

Learn More