Children and teens experience grief differently than adults. They may go from yelling and crying one minute to laughing and playing the next.
Our bereavement counselors can help you develop ways to connect with your child, encourage them to express their emotions, and help them build healthy coping skills for the future.
David Bradley Children’s Bereavement Program
It is now widely understood that children grieve in different ways than adults. A child’s grief may be influenced by age, personality, developmental stage, earlier experiences with death or their relationship with the deceased. Children may express grief by sadness, physical symptoms, acting out, intense curiosity about death, withdrawal, or even seeming like nothing has happened. Children and their caregivers can benefit from support services to help guide them through the grieving process.
The David Bradley Children’s Bereavement Program at Penn Medicine Hospice offers grief support services to children ages 2 through 18 and their families. Services include:
- Consultation and coaching for caregivers: A child bereavement counselor is available virtually to discuss concerns about a child who is grieving or affected by the illness of someone important in their life. Research supports that the healthier caregivers are with their modeling of emotions and processing, the better children fare. Our family consultation model supports caregivers, which enables them to support their children. Virtual services may include family sessions or one on one support for children and caregivers. Children are encouraged to participate in activities that foster self-expression and creativity.
- Information: Printed resources about children’s grief are available for children, teens and caregivers.
- Referrals: When appropriate, bereavement counselors can provide referrals for long-term interventions and support groups.
The David Bradley Children’s Bereavement Program also offers services to the community, including educational programs to assist professionals, caregivers and those who are concerned about grieving children.
Camp Erin Philadelphia
Camp Erin® Philadelphia is for children and teens ages 6 to 17 who are grieving the loss of a loved one. Led by licensed social workers and counselors, Camp Erin is a free weekend program that provides a caring environment where kids can explore their grief, learn essential coping skills, and make friends with peers.
Camp Erin takes place in Montgomery, PA every June. It includes traditional camp activities—arts and crafts, sports, games, and campfires—as well as bereavement support activities. To apply, parents or guardians must submit an online application by March 1.
Interested in volunteering at Camp Erin? Check out the roles we need assistance with. You must be 18 or older to apply. Volunteer training takes place over the course of two Saturdays: one in April and another in May.
For more information, call 800-700-8807 or email CampErin@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.
