Basic Information on Helping Bereaved Children
Everyone’s grief reactions change over their lifetime.
The reactions of children and teenagers affected by an overdose death change according to their stage of development, and it is helpful to understand some basic concepts about explaining an overdose death to a child.
Organizations that specialize in helping bereaved children include:
Nationwide
Local to Massachusetts
Rick’s Place in Wilbraham
The Children’s Room in Arlington
Jeff’s Place in Framingham
Learn More
Responding to Change & Loss
National Alliance for Grieving Children
Supporting Children After the Overdose Death of a Family Member
Highmark Caring Place
Supporting Children Who Lose Parents to Overdose
Institute for Research, Education, & Training in Addiction
Parental Overdose and Grieving Children
Institute for Research, Education, and Training in Addiction
After a Loved One Dies
New York Life Foundation
Tips for Talking with Children about Addiction and Overdose Loss
Hey Sigmund
Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Disasters and Other Traumatic Events
National Institute of Mental Health
Grieving an Overdose: A Teen’s Perspective
Dougy Center (audio interview)
Explaining a Substance-Related Death to Children
Our House Grief Support Center
Helping a Teenager Deal With Grief
What’s Your Grief