Sample Resources for Parents:
Helping Children Cope with Grief and Trauma
(updated 12/18/12) 

In addition to being available in the schools, the district student services team will continue to provide staff and parents with resources that might be of use to families during times of grief.  While this is only a small sample of materials available, we thought it might be of assistance to have a place to begin any search you may want to undertake for resources that would be of help to your family. Each school and our local family and children agencies also have materials and resource lists available.   

Local Agencies

Family Centers Inc. in collaboration with the Darien Library and other community providers is offering "...an open discussion opportunity for parents, caregivers and educators and to talk about the events, the impact on their children, ask for advice on how to talk to their children about trauma and receive feedback from professionals.
When: Wednesday, December 19, 7:00 pm
Where: Darien Library Community Room

Child Guidance Center is hosting a parent/community forum. Dr. Deborah Matthews, CGC’s Director of Crisis Services will provide information and answer questions, to help parents deal with their own anxiety and concerns as well as the reactions of their children to the tragic Newtown, CT school shooting.

When: Monday, December 17, 5:30-6:30 pm
Where: 196 Greyrock Place, Stamford CT 
Website: http://www.childguidancect.org/   PH 203-517-3320  F 203-353-1524

“…Kids in Crisis is here to help the community in any way needed, including providing emotional and therapeutic support for parents, students, and school staff, and serving as a resource for the community.

Kids in Crisis has assembled its Crisis Response Team and will have Crisis Counselors and Clinicians available to anyone in the community throughout the weekend and into next week.

Our 24 hour Crisis Hotline (203-327-KIDS) is a resource to anyone that needs support, including students, teachers, parents, and community providers.
Website: www.kidsincrisis.org

CARES is hosting a Talking with Our Children and Handling Our Own Grief Parent Program/Drop-in Session to help parents cope with their own feelings, to provide helpful responses to our children's questions and fears, and support those who have suffered loss. We will also discuss common questions we are receiving from our youth and parents, and have opportunity for open discussion and support. Community members of all ages are welcome to come out and support one another.
When: Wednesday, December 19, 10:30 am
Where: Outback Teen Center

New Canaan Youth Services Resources for parents are outlined on Facebook page 
Website: http://www.facebook.com/WeCareNC?ref+hl

Online Resources

Commission on Children launches Newtown-related resource center
Realizing that families throughout Connecticut have been traumatized by Friday's events in Newtown, the Commission on Children has added to its website a resource center that parents and others will find useful. 

"Helping children and adults cope with events like the Newtown school shootings" 
website: http://www.cga.ct.gov/coc/newtown.htm

You'll find an array of advice and contact information, all from acknowledged experts. The Commission expects to update the page frequently in the next few days. Major changes will be announced in our Facebook and Twitter feeds, linked below. Suggestions for additions are welcome.
 

Forwarded by Connecticut Clearinghouse (a program of Wheeler Clinic’s Connecticut Center for Prevention, Wellness and Recovery) on 12/14/2012.
The following is a list of Connecticut Clearinghouse resources directly related to traumatic events. The Clearinghouse also has materials on grief and loss, depression, stress, substance use, and other related topics.
Website: www.ctclearinghouse.org
Contact: ph 800-232-4424

Fact Sheet:
Young People and Trauma

Brochures:
Traumatic Events - Helping Your Child Cope

Helping Young Children Cope With Trauma

Mental Health Response to Mass Violence and Terrorism - A Field Guide

When Terrible Things Happen: A Parent’s Guide to Talking with Their Children

Why Do I Feel Like This?

Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting www.apa.org/helpcenter/aftermath.aspx

Coping with Violence and Traumatic Events www.samhsa.gov/trauma/

Coping with Crisis—Helping Children With Special Needs www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/specpop_general.aspx

Managing Strong Emotional Reactions to Traumatic Events: Tips for Parents and Teachers www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/angermgmt_general.aspx

Identifying Seriously Traumatized Children: Tips for Parents and Educators www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/psycht_general.aspx

Talking with Kids About News www.pbs.org/parents/talkingwithkids/news/