The death of a parent or sibling has been found to be one of the most stressful and traumatic life events that a child or youth can experience. 

Children and youth require an age-appropriate understanding of death, dying, and grief, and they need specialized counselling and coping strategies to support their ongoing bereavement and grief journey.

The long-term effects of grief can lead to difficulties with emotional regulation and behaviour. Reactions can range from sadness, anger, confusion, guilt, anxiety, and fear. Some children may withdraw socially, experience changes in eating or sleeping patterns, or show signs of regression.

The counsellors work in collaboration with parents, guardians and professionals on communicating with children and youth who are grieving or facing death in age-appropriate ways that align with their developmental level and their circumstances.

Engaging in creative, age-appropriate activities and rituals, along with support from parents, caregivers, and teachers can help them understand their emotions and integrate their grief in a healthy way.