Supporting System-Involved Youth & Caregivers with Disenfranchised Grief/Loss Which is not Socially Acknowledged

Wendy Kessler, MSW, FT

Training Description

Disenfranchised Grief is loss that is not openly acknowledged, socially sanctioned, or publicly mourned. Without social validation of a youth’s grief experience by families, peers, community, and helping professionals – the typical responses to loss (anger, sadness, loneliness, and guilt) are often intensified. This training will educate participants about the factors that contribute to disfranchised grief and how to support system-involved youth who are risk for this grief complication. Participants will be informed through presenter instruction, a slide presentation, supportive interventions, guided discussion, and Questions & Answers.

Learning Objectives

Participates will be able to:

· Explain “Disenfranchised Grief” as a complication of loss.