Program 1

The CBC's major programs are listed as follows: 1. Weekly peer support groups: The CBC provides weekly peer support groups designed for all ages: preschool, elementary, middle, high school and young adults. Separate groups are provided for parents/caregivers and other adults significant in the child's life. Groups are guided by a lead facilitator and trained volunteers who assist participants by listening, helping them to articulate their grief, and "companioning" them through their healing journey. All volunteers receive an extensive 3-day training and ongoing post-group feedback and assessment. Children's activities include creative play, music, puppetry, and arts and crafts. The teen and adult groups consist of more interactive discussion, though all participants are encouraged to record their thoughts in poems, stories, letters and journals. 2. Monthly orientations: The CBC holds monthly orientations for new participants and those interested in learning about the CBC. Monthly orientations avoid the need for a waiting list, allowing grieving families to participate as soon as they are ready. Approximately 10-15 families attend each orientation. 3. Vital community partnerships: The CBC has established important referral partnerships with the following community agencies and institutions: Miami-Dade County Public Schools, African-American Council of Christian Clergy, Private & Parochial Schools, Hospitals and Hospices, Mental Health Agencies & Community Centers, University Counseling Centers, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), CHARLEE, Jewish Family & Children's Services, Catholic Charities of the Miami Archdiocese, Dept. of Children & Families Foster Care and Miami-Dade Police Juvenile Assessment Center. 4. Internship Program: The CBC, in partnership with local universities, including University of Miami, Florida International University, and Barry University, provides practicum and internship opportunities to college and master's level students in mental health. Students are supervised by the Program Directors, receiving ongoing training in child and adult bereavement and loss issues. 5. Research: The CBC, in partnership with the University of Miami Department of Counseling Psychology Professor Andrew Wenger, PhD has implemented a study on the impact and effectiveness of peer support groups for grieving children. Preliminary findings of this research were presented at the 2002 Annual Conference of the Association of Death Education and Counseling in Portland, Oregon. 6. Development of an On-Site Crisis Debriefing Team: In the case of critical incidents that impact a school community (such as a death or accident), this team works with the children, parents, and school staff to provide immediate support, debriefing and follow-up services.

Program long term success

The CBC has gone from providing peer support services for 8 children in 5 families in April of 1999 to serving hundreds of participants monthly.

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Program 2

CBC Peer Support Groups

CBC provides peer support groups for children, kindergarten through young adult, to share their loss experience, whether recent or in years past with others who are grieving. Education and peer support groups are also provided for parents and caregivers enabling them to better understand the bereavement through the eyes of their children. Participants gain a better understanding of their own experience and learn to empathize with one another, contributing to self-esteem, trust, and hope in the future.

Program long term success

The CBC has been providing ongoing Free peer support groups for 16 years. The CBC model of collaborating with community partners and private school sites to deliver its services has enabled us to address our community's needs for ongoing group support without any wait list.

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Program 3

Loss of Life Consultation & Support Team

When loss of life impacts a school community or workplace, this team works with those involved to develop an action plan and create an environment of healing and support.

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Program 4

Referral and Information Resource

As the community resource for loss of life and bereavement support, CBC offers referral services, information, materials and professional consultation.

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Program 5

CBC Training Institute

As the community resource for loss of life and bereavement support, The CBC developed the CBC Training Institute to provide customized education
and consultation services for professionals at schools, hospitals, hospices and healthcare agencies that result in enhanced staff skills and resources, and better services to their students, patient populations and communities served.

Program long term success

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Program success examples

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