Counseling and Support Learning to live with the loss of a child

The goal of the Center for Infant & Child Loss is to assist families as they learn to live with the sudden and unexpected loss of their child. All sudden, unexpected infant or child deaths in the state of Maryland are attended by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. Resources are often not immediately available or recognizable to families who experience this type of traumatic loss. The primary focus of Center services is to parents. Additionally, services may also be provided to grandparents, siblings, daycare providers, teenagers, co-workers, schools, and other significant persons as indicated.

Counselor's Corner Fix yourself a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate and find comfort within the Counselor's Corner. Seek out this site monthly because new articles will be posted along with the quarterly newsletter articles from Counselor's Corner.

Initial Services The Center, acting as liaison between the family and the Medical Examiner (OCME), contacts most families within 48 hours providing Accurate information OCME preliminary findings, early grief reactions Initial crisis support Telephone contact, identification of support systems & coping mechanisms Appropriate literatureSelected literature chosen to meet specific needs Continuing Services Grief intervention Support provided through telephone contact and mailings that recognize significant dates throughout the first year. Each family receives a SIDS & Infant Death Survival Guide. Assessment of families needs Recognizing and supporting the individuality of each circumstance Referrals to local health department & other community based agencies Home visit by community health nurse to establish connection within the community and to identify local resources available to the family. Collaboration with national & state agencies Peer support system Center parents are available to talk with newly bereaved families Referrals to support groups throughout the state Insights newsletter Sent to all families and other interested community members Memorial Services To commemorate the lives of the children Fundraising and "fun-raising" events Encourage participation and contact with other bereaved families Underlined TextItalicized Text

The Center for Infant & Child Loss, UMBF, is a non-profit, 501-3C organization. Tax ID: 31.1678.679

© 2004 and Last Modified January 2004
University of Maryland School of Medicine
Department of Pediatrics Division of Behavioral and Developmental Pediatrics
Is funded, in part, by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene

Contact us at: caring@infantandchildloss.org | http://medschool.umaryland.edu

Affiliation Statement | Funding Statement