Preparing System Involved Youth for an Expected Loss

Wendy Kessler, MSW, FT

Training Description

This training will equip participants with information and tools to effectively support system-involved youth and their families who are anticipating future losses. Anticipatory Grief is the distress a person may feel in the days, months, or even years before the death of a loved one or the impending loss of something highly valued. This pre-loss experience is processed differently than the grief that comes after loss. Whereas bereavement is a process of integration that helps us adapt to loss, anticipatory grief is largely an experience of managing distress and evolving hope that is best supported by increasing resilience and coping abilities.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

● Identify 4 actions which can help you support system involved youth experiencing anticipatory grief.