WHERE CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ARE EMPOWERED TO MEANINGFULLY
ENGAGE WITH THEIR GRIEF

MISSION STATEMENT

The Kentucky Center for Grieving Children and Families supports children, youth, and families as they grieve and grow.

Grief is a natural response to loss. We provide safe and caring spaces where children and families can connect and discover their own path towards healing.

VOLUNTEER

Resources for Teens and Students With New Loss

WHAT WE BELIEVE

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Please consider making a donation to keep our work going and growing.

A number of Kentucky schools have experienced student deaths in recent weeks. Teens can access resources through our website, and this info sheet for grief in teenagers can be helpful. School staff and professionals can always contact us for more specific resources, trainings, and parent/caregiver educational materials.

KENTUCKY'S NEED

Kentucky’s children need dramatically increased availability and access to child and family-specific grief support services. The numbers are telling:

1 in 9 Kentucky children experience the death of a parent, caregiver, or sibling by age 18 (national average is 1 in 12)
Kentucky ranks #6 in the nation for childhood bereavement rates
25% of Kentucky's bereaved children have lost a parent or caregiver to overdose/addiction death

Learn More

Emergency/Crisis Resources

The KCGCF is not an emergency mental health resource or crisis response service. If you or your child/teen is in need of immediate help, please contact one of these sources who can assist:

Call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Kentucky calls will be answered 24/7 at a community mental health center

Dial 911 for Emergency Services

Kentucky Crisis Management Resources (click for contact information on local programs by region that can refer for mental health treatment)

OUR LATEST NEWS

How To Support Children After the Texas Flooding Losses

Many caregivers are struggling with how to address their children’s fear and sadness after the Texas floods. Start by asking children what they know and what they are worried about. Then share honest, age-appropriate information and discuss what safety plans you and your family have in place. Listen and provide reassurance that the children are safe there with you now. For more information, check out this valuable resource guide.

Free Online Training For Caregivers Supporting Children Who Are Grieving

Growing Through Grief is a 75-minute workshop sponsored by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center and facilitated by clinicians from the Trauma and Grief Center/Lucine Center for Trauma and Grief. The workshop is designed to help caregivers support their children who are experiencing grief due to the loss of a significant person in their life. The workshop is being offered on six dates in August, with some sessions held in English and others in Spanish. Learn more & register here!