coalition to support grieving students

The School Social Work Association of America (SSWAA) is pleased to be a Founding Member of the Coalition to Support Grieving Students which launched a groundbreaking initiative to reach millions of grieving students in classrooms across the nation on January 13, 2015 at GW University in Washington, DC.  SSWAA's Libby Nealis, Director of Policy and Advocacy joined our fellow coalition partners, leading bereavement experts, local practitioners as well as families who have experienced grief. David Esquith, director of the Office of Safe and Healthy Students, also attended and spoke of the need to address students' grief as part of a positive and healthy school climate. 
 
Childhood bereavement is one of society's most pervasive phenomena, with the vast majority of children experiencing the loss of a family member or friend by the time they complete high school. SSWAA believes that schools have a critical role to play in easing the grief journey of children who have lost a loved one. Yet, research shows that few educators have access to the information and training they need to help the grieving students in their midst.  SSWAA wants to help – and we want to invite you to join the effort.   The Coalition to Support Grieving Students is an innovative multimedia resource designed to empower educators and school professionals in their efforts to support grieving students as they cope with loss.  Read SSWAA's invitation to you to get involved.    Check out SSWAA's additional resources for Grief & Psychological First Aid as well.   Your Membership Dollars at Work!