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

November is Grieving Children and Families Month for Kentucky

The month of November has been designated as Grieving Children and Families month in the Commonwealth. The KCGCF and community partners will have educational toolkits for families and professionals, as well as lots of free family events during October and November. Click here to see information about upcoming events.

Addressing Difficult News Headlines with Children

Many caregivers are struggling with how to address their children’s fear and sadness after hearing of deaths and violent incidents. 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.