The Compassionate Friends is a self-help support group that assists families in positively resolving grief after the death of a child. It operates based on seven principles focused on offering friendship, understanding and hope to bereaved parents, siblings and grandparents. The group interfaces with over 30 other organizations providing grief support and is evaluated through independent charity standards. Recent outcomes show the group provides critical support through local chapters, conferences and online communities.

1. The Compassionate Friends By: Hope Bartlow Sharon Hollis Helen Nichols Self-Help Support Group for Families After a Child Dies

2. Agenda Hope Philosophy of the self-help support system. Target population(s) served. The functions of the self-help support system. Sharon How the system interfaces with other programs or agencies. The role (if any) of human services workers at the support system. How and by whom the services of the support system are evaluated. Helen Recent outcomes of the support system's services. How the services of the support service could be improved

12. Questions?