These groups have been offered at Arkansas Children's Hospital
since 1995. There's no charge, and they really do help. Just call or download
the application.
Eight-week series offered in the fall and spring for children and teens
from pre-K through high school who have experienced the death of a family
member or friend. Groups for adults in the family are also available.
The next Good Mourning grief support group series will run October 1, 2009 through November 19, 2009 with a Parent Orientation on September 24, 2009.
What are Grief Support Groups?
Good Mourning Grief Support Groups are free educational support groups for
young people who have experienced the death of someone close to them. The purpose
of the groups is to help young people cope with their feelings of grief and
loss in a supportive setting with similar age peers.
Each group is set up by age, and has approximately 6-10 children or teens.
The groups meet in eight weekly sessions. A Parent Orientation meeting takes
place prior to the start of each eight-week group series. An optional group
for parents and adult caregivers is also available during the eight-week program.
Good Mourning was developed to address the unique needs of children who have
experienced the death of a loved one. Grief and loss experiences can be difficult
for young people because they are still learning how to express and cope with
strong feelings.
Death is a part of life, and most children will experience the loss of loved
ones during their lifetime. While grief and mourning are natural responses,
deep grief, if not addressed, can have a negative effect on a young person's
social, emotional and physical well-being.
Good Mourning provides children and teens with the chance to share their experiences
and to learn healthy ways to cope with their grief.
Registration
Registration for the Good Mourning Grief Support Groups will only be taken
from the parent or legal guardian. Interested parents and adult caregivers should
call the Center for Good Mourning at 501-364-7000.
An application
to reserve a place in a group will be sent to the family. After receipt of an
application,
a Good Mourning group leader will contact the parent or adult caregiver and
the young person by phone before the start of the program.