Supporting children through the grieving process

This work addresses the topic of grief counselling for children who have lost a parent through death. It examines the stages of grief that children go through. Building on this foundation and taking into account the developmental needs of six- to nine-year-olds, it outlines ways to provide optimal support, such as establishing rituals or avoiding major changes to their daily routine. Furthermore, the author focuses on social work and examines how this profession can be involved in this process and where support services are located. The thesis demonstrates the importance of the support approaches offered by school social work, youth work and residential care in the grieving process, and places further emphasis on the trauma experienced by children following the loss of a parent. Recognising trauma is essential and can prevent re-traumatisation. The thesis aims to raise awareness amongst professionals and calls for further research into the interplay between trauma and grief.