The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia has developed a comprehensive bereavement program to help families start on the painful journey of grief. This involves providing a safe place to sit with sadness, to acknowledge its many facets and to begin over time to glue the pieces of life back together. Although the journey is not easy, we can offer support, hope and guidance to help families begin the necessary process of healing. Each year in March, families gather with their loved ones and Hospital staff to honor their children who have died. Brothers and sisters enjoy a special Halloween party while parents gain coping skills.
Bereavement groups meet for six sessions and are held three times a year.
After attending the six-session series, parents and children may return for monthly support groups. Each spring, we offer an all-day workshop that addresses concerns around parenting, grandparenting, strains on marriage, siblings, spiritual issues, being a supportive friend and more. It provides families a setting in which to learn, connect and have fun together. Groups are held concurrently with parent groups. Siblings are treated to a Halloween Party while parents learn ways to cope with the holidays.