Grief Support for Schools

In addition to monthly group sessions, we offer printed and digital educational resources; education and training for school staff; crisis support for school communities; tailored activities for bereaved adolescents; and support groups and healing activities for families. Most importantly, COJ’s School-based Program is tailored to the unique needs of each school community using a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) Framework.

Unlike many traditional grief support offerings, COJ’s School-Based Bereavement Program is ongoing, with many students grateful for COJ’s continual, multi-year support as they navigate their personal grief journey amidst critical childhood and adolescent years. Many of the students we serve have been part of COJ groups for many years – some up to 10 years! For them, COJ has become a safe haven as they experience so many critical milestones of childhood without their mom, dad, or sibling to celebrate with and support them.

In Ohio, it’s estimated that 1 in 10 children and teens will experience the death of a parent or sibling by their 18th birthday. Children and teens are often referred to as the ‘forgotten grievers.’ Because their grief can often look different than an adult’s grief, it’s easy to brush off their losses and proclaim ‘Children are so resilient!’ However, research reveals that grief can disrupt a child’s sleeping and eating patterns; their ability to concentrate; form healthy thought patterns; express emotions, and develop attachments to others. Left unaddressed, this can lead to risky behaviors, drops in grades, depression, self-isolation, and other traumatic grief reactions.

The good news? Grief support, which is sensitive to cultural background and focuses on social skills, relaxation, expression, coping skills, and identifying triggers is an effective intervention for lowering poor outcomes for bereaved students (Ferow, 2019).

Consultation & Education for Caregivers and Staff

In addition to monthly group sessions, we assist schools in creating a grief-sensitive environment through our education and training programs for caregivers and school staff. We help participants understand how adversity, loss, and trauma shape the behaviors, learning, relationships, and well-being of children and adolescents. We know and research supports that the presence of caring, responsive adult relationships helps reduce the stress, anxiety, depression, and social isolation in children who have experienced grief and loss.

Professional development sessions for school personnel range in length from 1-hour to full-day training. Skill-based, in-depth training sessions are available for school-based counselors and social workers. Our caregiver education sessions are typically 1-2 hours in length and take place on weekday evenings to accommodate work schedules. These sessions can be delivered virtually or at your preferred location.

As so many aspects of our lives have changed and will continue to change, know that Companions on a Journey is here to help. We continue to expand our training and resources to help educators and schools navigate these challenging times.

To learn more about the training available to you and to your school, please email griefsupport@companionsonajourney.org or call us at 513-870-9108 for details.

Crisis Response & Postvention Support

COJ responds to crisis calls from local schools left shattered by the death of a student or staff member within their community. In partnership with Cincinnati’s SERA Collaborative, our team of bereavement specialists work with schools and our community partners to provide critical postvention services to students and staff.

Our Services Include:

• Crisis Supports for Students, Staff, and Administrators
• Bereavement Consultation & Education
• Postvention Efforts to Ensure the Safety, Well-being, and Health of Students & Staff
• Partnership with Schools to Develop Bereavement Protocols & Crisis Response Plans

To learn more about how our support services can be a part of your school’s crisis response plan, please email griefsupport@companionsonajourney.org or call us at 513-870-9108 for details.