Bereavement Program

When a child dies, the family's world as they have known it no longer exists. The pain is intense and each member's journey of grief is unique. Grief does not follow a map, but is influenced by previous losses, current life situations and the support system that is available to them.

A child's concept of death
Discussing death with children
Grief and bereavement
How to help a grieving parent
Resources

Services

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin staff realizes the pain a family endures when a child dies. We understand many bereaved parents have benefited by having someone walk with them as they embark on their journey of grief. No one can take the pain away, however, many families have found it helpful to have support in dealing with the death of a child. The Bereavement Program serves families who have experienced the death of a child at the hospital.

A variety of services is available to bereaved families to facilitate and support healthy grieving. Families are contacted by telephone to offer support, information and hope, and they are informed about services available to them. When appropriate, families are offered literature on child and adult grief and given assistance in locating services in their communities.

Peer-to-peer connection
The peer-to-peer connection program connects bereaved parents, grandparents and teens with trained peers. The peers have experienced the death of a child/grandchild/sibling and work closely with bereavement staff to provide support to families. Referral to this program is through the bereavement staff at (414) 266-2995.

Memorial Program
Children's Hospital staff invites families to come together to remember their children in a non-sectarian memorial program. Call Eileen Clark at (414) 266-2995 for additional information.

Literature
The Bereavement Program provides information as needed to families on grief and loss, explaining death to children, and children and grief. We encourage you to explore this site and the links to other sites. If you need further information, call (414) 266-2995.

Supporting a grieving family
If you want information on how you can support a family who is dealing with the loss of a child, you may find our page, How to Help a Grieving Parent, useful. There is more information on supporting grieving parents, explaining death to children and a bibliography at www.idcw.org.

Professional consultation
The Bereavement Program works with Children's Hospital staff when there are questions or concerns about supporting a family in a child's death or impending death, telling and supporting children as they learn about another's death and supporting families in grief.

Funding
There is no charge to participate in the Bereavement Program. Contributions to the program are welcome and appreciated. For further information on sending a tax-deductible donation please contact:

Children's Hospital and Health System Foundation
MS 3050
PO Box 1997
Milwaukee, WI 53201
(414) 266-6100

For more information about the Bereavement Program, call (414) 266-2995.

Click here for pamphlets and online resources.