The document introduces the Irish Childhood Bereavement Pyramid, which aims to support professionals working with bereaved children, signpost families to services, inform the public, and advocate for bereaved youth. The pyramid identifies four levels of needs for bereaved children and reviews their needs, available supports, and coping competencies. Its goal is to serve as a quick reference for identifying and addressing the needs of grieving children and helping them feel less overwhelmed by providing understanding and insight.

1. The Irish Childhood Bereavement Pyramid – an Introduction
ICBN Conference 2014
Presented by: Anne Marie Jones on behalf of ICBN Steering Group Sub-Committee
Celine Deane, Orla Keegan,
Ann D’Arcy and Anne Staunton

2. Background
•Silverman (2000, p. 73)
“We cannot protect children from the pain or disruption of a loss - … However, we can help them feel less overwhelmed.”
•Dyregrov (2008, p. 14)
“Children have a great capacity for coping with different situations if the adult recovery environment can provide them with insight and understanding.”

3. ICBN Objectives
•Support professionals
•Signpost families and carers
•Inform the general public
•Advocate for bereaved children and young people

4. Content of the Pyramid
•Intended as a quick reference guide for those who are concerned with identifying the needs of a child or young person who is bereaved.
•Review three facets of childhood bereavement: needs, supports/services and competencies
•Identifies four levels of need for children who are bereaved

18. Finally …….
•Listening to children ……..
•Spreading the word …….
•Thanks ……..