Basic Information on Helping Children

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In-Depth (Content)

Responding to Change and Loss

Supporting Children who Lose Parents to Accidental Overdose

After a Loved One Dies

Essentials

Everyone’s grief reactions change over their lifetime.
The reactions of children and teenagers affected by an overdose death change according to their stage of development, and it is helpful to understand some basic concepts about explaining an overdose death to a child.
Organizations in Massachusetts* that specialize in helping bereaved children include:
- Rick’s Place in Wilbraham
- The Children’s Room in Arlington
- Jeff’s Place in Framingham

* If you know of an organization in Massachusetts that specializes in children’s grief support, please contact SADOD.

Explore

Supporting Children After the Overdose Death of a Family Member

Highmark Caring Place

Parental Overdose and Grieving Children

Institute for Research, Education, and Training in Addiction

Tips for Talking with Children about Addiction and Overdose Loss

Hey Sigmund

Ten Things Grieving Children Want You to Know

Eluna Network

Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Disasters and Other Traumatic Events: What Parents, Rescue Workers, and the Community Can Do

National Institute of Mental Health

Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers

National Child Traumatic Stress Network

School & Community Toolkit

Dougy Center

Grieving an Overdose: A Teen’s Perspective

Dougy Center This is an audio interview

Helping a Teenager Deal with Grief

What’s Your Grief

Ways to Help a Child Who is Grieving

NACG