Understanding Loss and Grief - Training for KCC Foster Carers

Learning Outcomes

• To develop an awareness of the impact of bereavement and loss on children & young people. This will include considering their developmental level, how they cope and use their defences, and an overview of theories.
• To consider how children & young people may, or may not, show their distress and needs. To develop ideas and experience creative ways to help children express themselves and their feelings appropriately.
• To consider how to support the needs of children & young people who have experienced loss and bereavement.
• To reflect upon how personal loss / bereavement impacts upon a Carer, and also how a grieving child in your care may also impact upon you.
• Within a child development framework understand how children & young people may understand, process, and experience loss & bereavement To understand how children & young people in our care, may feel when experiencing a loss, repeated losses or bereavement and how they cope and use their defences.
• To have considered how they may/ may not be able to express themselves, their feelings and needs and how we can help children with this.
• To consider what is a “normal” grief reaction within a theoretical framework. To consider how transitions/changes of foster placements affects foster carers in terms of grief and loss.
• Carer’s to be more confident in how they can recognise, support & help children who are struggling with bereavement & loss.
• To acknowledge the impact of loss & bereavement on the Foster Carer & consider self care.