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Families and carer resources

Resources for parents, families and other carers

An important function of this website is to direct members of the community to accurate and reliable information about trauma, loss and grief. We have provided some direct links below to articles and information relating to child and adolescent trauma, loss and grief. 

We consider this a good starting point for members of the community to access information in this area. These sites contain information that the Australian Child and Adolescent Trauma, Loss and Grief Network is happy to endorse.

These documents and sites have been selected as they were either prepared by professional bodies or have been accredited by Tufts University Child and Family WebGuide (Tufts) http://www.cfw.tufts.edu/

Grief and loss in children and young people

Grief and Loss in Children and Adolescents

This article from the Child, Youth and Women’s Health Service, South Australia, provides an overview of grief and loss in early childhood. It describes children's understanding of loss, how they show their grief and what parents can do.

Children and Grief: What they know, how they feel and how to help

This overview has been written by the Child Study Center at New York University. It provides information on types of loss children may experience and how they may adapt to these losses. It provides information on how to help children experiencing loss and at what time they may need extra support from a professional.

Adolescents Experiencing Grief

This brochure on adolescents experiencing grief has been written by the National Association for Loss and Grief, NSW (NALAG NSW). It is a good brochure for adolescents who are experiencing grief and describes common feelings that may be experienced and how they may help themselves.

Death in the Family – Helping Children to Cope

This leaflet from the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the UK describes the stages of grief that may be experienced by children and how to recognise when a child is not coping with grief.

Ask the Expert: Helping Children deal with trauma and bereavement

This article is a brief interview with the Director of Trauma and Bereavement services at the Child Study Center, New York University.  It describes what may be traumatic events for children,  how to provide help to a child following a traumatic event and when a child may need additional assistance following a trauma.

Trauma in children and young people

Trauma and Children

This factsheet from the Australian Centre for Posttraumatic Mental Health provides an overview of the effect of trauma on children, recognising children who experience difficulties after a trauma and how to provide assistance.

Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Parents Can Do

This article has been written by the National Institute of Mental Health in the UK. It's for parents of children exposed to violence or disaster. It details the possible reactions children may display following violence or disaster, how parents can help and links to further information.

Understanding Child Traumatic Stress: A Guide for Parents

This article has been written by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network in the United States. It describes child traumatic stress, a condition that some children may develop following exposure to a traumatic event.

When to Seek Treatment

This factsheet has been written by the Child Study Center at New York University. It provides information for parents on when to seek help or treatment for their child if they are concerned about their response following a loss or trauma.

What is Treatment?

Children and Trauma: What are Traumatic Experiences?

The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS) provides information about the range of responses, what can influence responses and what adults can do to help children.