The majority of low-income and minority children and youth in Oakland CA live in areas with high rates of gang violence, poverty, and environmental pollution. These factors have overwhelming led to parental and caregiver deaths, leaving children and family members emotionally and financially devastated. East Bay Agency for Children's (EBAC) Circle of Care Grief and Loss program provides peer grief counseling support for low-income children struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one.
The majority of low-income children, youth and families in Oakland CA live in communities with high levels of violence, poverty, and industrial pollution. For many children, the loss of a parent, caregiver or loved one is sadly a common occurrence and contributes to families experiencing tremendous grief and significant trauma. Without the ability to afford counseling services children are at high risk for academic failure and the development of chronic mental and physical health issues.
EBAC's Circle of Care Program trains volunteers to provide peer support to both children and their families through the process of healing from the loss of a parent, caregiver or loved one. Our Resilient Parenting for Bereaved Families Model (RPBF) is specifically designed to provide parents with the tools they need to meet the unique challenges of coping with the loss of a partner while raising a child coping with the loss of a parent.
EBAC's Circle of Care program served over 1,100 children ages 2-18 and their family members and caregivers last year through counseling; peer support groups; community workshops; and referrals. Clinical research conducted by the Resilient Parenting for Bereaved Families model utilized by EBAC shows positive measurable outcomes in families fifteen years after participation, including reducing grief-related distress and mental health complications of bereaved children, parents and caregivers.
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
