First Response

Resource Background

It is increasingly impossible to ignore the part grief and loss plays in shaping the lives and actions of young people.

In 1996 Dr Gwyneth Boswell drew a link between violent crime and grief and loss. In 2003 the Youth Justice Trust found that 92% of young offenders had experienced loss. More recently the Joseph Rowntree Foundation discovered that 92% of young people will experience significant loss before the age of 16.

In 2002, the report Interchange 78 found that two thirds of young people deemed “at risk” grow up to be emotionally balanced and well adjusted where positive support exists. First Response to Grief and Loss has been produced to help practitioners better understand grief and loss and develop a first response by assessing need and ensuring appropriate attention and support is given.

Developed by practitioners for practitioners, First Response to Grief and Loss is set within the context of Every Child Matters and the Common Assessment Framework and is relevant for youth workers, nurses, teachers, counsellors and other practitioners working in either formal or informal environments, statutory and non-statutory.

First Response to Grief and Loss resources include a training manual, DVD, reference card and youth handout (available as a pack) and online resources.