Children and adolescents in foster care experience grief on many levels, mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually, and socially.

Youth experiencing grief fare better when they have supportive adults in their lives who recognize the impact of grief and provide a safe environment that is grief-informed.

This presentation offers suggestions for supportive actions adults can take to care for children and adolescents in foster care. We will discuss how to validate the grief experience of children and adolescents and ideas for supporting healthy growth, development, and transitions. We will look at protective factors that support positive outcomes for children and adolescents experiencing grief.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to create a safe environment that is grief-informed and supports children and adolescents who are grieving.
• Participants will be able to understand their role in supporting healthy growth and development in the lives of children and adolescents who are grieving.
• Participants will be able to identify protective factors that support positive outcomes for children and adolescents experiencing grief.