Support Group Details
Grief is different for everyone, especially for children and teens. Our Youth Grief Support Group offers a safe, compassionate space where young people can express their emotions, explore their experiences and connect with others who understand what they’re going through.
Who Can Join?
This group is open to youth ages 6 to 17 who have experienced the death of someone important in their lives. To enhance support and understanding, youth will be grouped by developmentally appropriate age ranges to ensure meaningful peer connection and age-sensitive support. Our youth groups are facilitated by a team of experienced Certified Child Life Specialists and Licensed Mental Health Professionals. Facilitators guide age-tailored activities and discussions designed to promote healthy coping, emotional expression and resilience.
Support for Caregivers
While youth meet in their groups, we invite any caregivers who are raising a grieving child to meet in a group of their own. The Caregiver's Group will discuss strategies to support grieving children, while acknowledging their own grief. The Caregiver's Group is led by Licensed Mental Health Professionals who intimately know the grief experience.
Location & Schedule
This open group meets in-person at the UVM Medical Center on the 3rd Saturday of the month September – May.
- 10:00-11:30 am for youth and 10:15-11:15 am for caregivers
Contact Us & Registration
For youth 6-11 years old, please contact Jess Rabidoux, CCLS jessica.rabidoux@uvmhealth.org, 802-847-4069
For youth 12-17 years old, please contact Ali Waltien, MA, awaltien@gmail.com, 802-343-0901