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.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

DONATE

VOLUNTEER

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

Resources for Teens and Students With New Loss

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

Healing with Horses Spring Sessions!

Registration for our spring sessions with our amazing friends at the Kentucky Horse Park Education Department are open! Plan to join us on either Sunday April 12 or Sunday May 17 for this free family program for children ages 3-18 and their adults. Get up close with some wonderful, gentle horses and learn about grooming, leading, and emotional connection. In the event of heavy rain/flooding on April 12th, our rain date will be May 17.

Free, In-Person Training to Support those Impacted By Homicide Losses

Join us on March 3, 12:30-4:30 pm for this important training event, useful for clinicians, educators, community health and outreach workers, volunteers, bereavement professionals, clergy, and violence prevention staff. Register here.