Addressing Grief for Youth in Care: A Call for Compassionate Support

Did we somehow forget that youth in care are going through grief and loss when they are removed from their primary caregivers? Have we become so callous as a system that we don’t give children and young people involved in the system time to grieve the most difficult loss in their young lives? Do we give them the support they need during placement disruptions, or do we withhold the truth from them out of fear of behavioral responses?

Grief is a profound, often overwhelming experience, and it's especially poignant for children and youth who are separated from their families. Yet, in the child welfare system, there's a troubling tendency to overlook this aspect of their emotional journey. Many stakeholders respond to concerns about grief with statements like, "I'm not a therapist," or "We train everyone to be trauma-informed," as if grief and trauma are synonymous. But they are not.

Grief is a specific response to loss, distinct from other forms of trauma, though they can coexist. It's crucial that we recognize and address this difference to provide meaningful support to the young people in our care.

Recognizing Grief in Youth

Youth in care often experience multiple layers of loss: the loss of their family, their home, their friends, and sometimes even their sense of identity. Each placement disruption can reopen these wounds, making it vital for caregivers and professionals to recognize the signs of grief, which may include:

Emotional symptoms: Sadness, anger, confusion, anxiety, or numbness.

Behavioral changes: Withdrawal, aggression, regression, or acting out.

Physical symptoms: Changes in sleep, appetite, or energy levels.

Providing Support

·?????? Acknowledge their loss: Don’t shy away from discussing the loss. Children and youth need to know it's okay to grieve and that their feelings are valid.

·?????? Create a safe space: Ensure they have a supportive environment where they feel safe expressing their emotions without judgment.

·?????? Offer consistent support: Be a stable presence in their lives. Regular, predictable interactions can help them feel secure.

·?????? Engage in active listening: Sometimes, they just need someone to listen to their fears and concerns without trying to 'fix' the situation.

·?????? Provide age-appropriate resources: Books, art, and storytelling can help children understand and express their grief.

·?????? Facilitate connections: Help them maintain connections with siblings and other important figures in their lives.

·?????? Professional help: While not everyone is a therapist, facilitating access to grief counselors or therapists who specialize in working with children can make a significant difference.

Training and Awareness

Training in trauma-informed care is essential, but it should also encompass understanding grief. Child welfare professionals need to be equipped with the knowledge and tools to distinguish between different emotional responses and provide appropriate support.

Moving Forward

We must acknowledge their grief and support them at entry into care and through placement transitions. By recognizing and addressing the grief that youth in care experience, we can create a more compassionate, supportive system that helps them heal and thrive. Let’s move beyond our current limitations and truly be there for the young people who need us the most.

#YouthInCare #ChildWelfare #GriefSupport #TraumaInformedCare #YouthVoice #FosterCare #ChildAdvocacy #EmotionalWellbeing #SupportOurYouth

Want to learn more about youth-centered approaches reach out to Dr. Elizabeth Wynter at [email protected].

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Dr. Elizabeth Wynter is an extraordinary visionary deeply committed to transforming the lives of young people in the child welfare system. With unwavering dedication and boundless energy, she fearlessly challenges norms, reshaping the future for the better.

For over two decades, Dr. Elizabeth Wynter, an award-winning advocate, has driven reform in child welfare policies, tirelessly working to make a difference. Her resolute determination inspires others to fight for a more inclusive and supportive child welfare system. The spark that ignited the National Foster Youth Voice Month and the Foster Youth Champion Blog came from Dr. Wynter's indomitable spirit, refusing anything less than a complete transformation in society's perception of young people in care.

Completing her doctoral studies in Organizational Leadership with a dissertation on transitioning youth was more than an academic achievement for Dr. Wynter; it symbolized a journey of self-discovery and dedication to empowering others. Armed with research and a deep understanding of the voices of those with lived experiences, she systematically dismantles barriers hindering a brighter future for transitioning youth.

As a captivating keynote speaker, Dr. Wynter enthralls audiences at conferences, symposiums, and workshops. Drawing from her extensive expertise and personal experiences, she delivers powerful speeches that inspire action and drive positive change.

Beyond her speeches, Dr. Wynter's role as a child welfare consultant is equally transformative. Armed with strategic thinking and a profound understanding of the complexities faced by transitioning youth, she collaborates with organizations and agencies to design innovative solutions.

Dr. Elizabeth Wynter stands as a force of nature—a visionary leader with an untamed heart. Her relentless advocacy and dedication to a cause greater than herself continue to inspire change-makers. Dr. Wynter's work is a testament to the power of collective impact for transitioning youth, and her unwavering commitment serves as a beacon of hope for vulnerable young individuals, reshaping the world for the better.