The Irish Childhood Bereavement Pyramid – an Introduction

ICBN Conference 2014 Presented by: Anne Marie Jones on behalf of ICBN

Steering Group Sub-Committee Celine Deane, Orla Keegan,

Ann D’Arcy and Anne Staunton

Background

• Silverman (2000, p. 73)

“We cannot protect children from the pain or disruption of a loss - … However, we can help them feel less overwhelmed.” • Dyregrov (2008, p. 14) “Children have a great capacity for coping with different situations if the adult recovery environment can provide them with insight and understanding.”

ICBN Objectives

• Support professionals

• Signpost families and carers

• Inform the general public

• Advocate for bereaved children and young people

Content of the Pyramid

• Intended as a quick reference guide for those who are concerned with identifying the needs of a child or young person who is bereaved.

• Review three facets of childhood bereavement: needs, supports/services and competencies

• Identifies four levels of need for children who are bereaved

Finally …….

• Listening to children ……..

• Spreading the word …….

• Thanks ……..