Disenfranchised Grief: Understanding Unrecognized Loss & Providing Support to System-Involved Youth & Caregivers

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 system-involved youth’s grief experience by families, peers, community, and service providers – 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 grieving system-involved youth (SIY) who are at risk for this grief complication. Participants will be informed through presenter instruction, a slide presentation, supportive strategies, guided discussion, and Q & A.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Explain “Disenfranchised Grief” and identify at least one complication that stalls or derails adaptive grieving.