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What are Bereavement and Family Support Services?

The Bereavement and Family Support Services program at Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo provides compassionate, family-centered care for individuals and families experiencing the loss of a child, parent, sibling, spouse or loved one. In partnership with our Family Support Services team and trusted community organizations, we offer emotional support, education, resources and connection to help families navigate grief in healthy and meaningful ways

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Who We Serve

Bereavement and Family Support Services are available to:
 

  • Parents, caregivers and grandparents who have lost a child
  • Children and adolescents coping with the loss of a parent, sibling or loved one
  • Families experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth or infant loss
  • Individuals grieving the loss of a spouse or significant other
  • Siblings and extended family members adjusting to loss
  • Families seeking emotional, spiritual and community-based support

The Care We Provide

  • Individual and family support

    Our team helps families understand grief responses, develop coping strategies and access appropriate resources. Support is tailored to each family’s cultural, spiritual and emotional needs.

  • Group and peer support programs

    We partner with community organizations to offer peer-led and professionally supported grief groups for parents, children, adolescents and caregivers. These groups provide opportunities to share experiences and build supportive relationships.

  • Child and adolescent grief support

    Specialized programs help children and teens express emotions through discussion, creative activities and age-appropriate education. These services promote healthy emotional development and resilience.

  • Perinatal and infant loss support

    Families experiencing miscarriage, stillbirth or early infant loss receive sensitive, specialized support and referrals to regional perinatal bereavement networks.

  • Remembrance and healing activities

    We offer opportunities for families to honor loved ones through memorial events, keepsakes and reflective practices that support long-term healing.

  • Community resource navigation

    Our team connects families with local, regional and national organizations that provide ongoing grief support, education and advocacy.

  • Talking with children about loss

    We provide guidance on using honest, age-appropriate language, validating emotions and helping children feel safe expressing sadness, anger, confusion or fear.

  • Accessing support services

    Families may request support through their care team or Family Support Services. Referrals can be made during inpatient stays, outpatient visits or following a loss.

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Why choose our bereavement and family support program?

Integrated partnership with Family Support Services

Strong community collaborations

Child- and family-centered approach

Specialized pediatric and perinatal expertise

Access to local and national resources

Compassionate, culturally respectful care

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Where services are available

Bereavement and Family Support Services are provided throughout Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.
818 Ellicott Street, Buffalo, NY 14203
(716) 323-2000

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Getting Started

Families may request services through their nurse, physician, social worker or Family Support Services team. Referrals can be made at any point during care or following a loss. Services are typically part of comprehensive hospital support.

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Resources

Families have access to educational materials, preparation guides and community referrals to support healing and long-term well-being.

Holidays and special occasions can be especially challenging after a loss. Families may experience renewed grief, memories and emotions. Planning ahead and seeking support can help make these times more manageable.

 

Helpful reminders:

  1. The first year is often the most difficult. Set realistic expectations.
  2. Decide which traditions to continue, change or pause.
  3. Accept help with daily tasks.
  4. Consider charitable giving in your loved one’s memory.
  5. Share plans with trusted family and friends.
  6. Avoid canceling all activities, but do not overextend yourself.
  7. Allow space for all emotions.
  8. Joy does not diminish love or remembrance.
  9. Practice healthy self-care.
  10. Engage in physical activity when possible.
  11. Journaling may help process emotions.
  12. Create new traditions.
  13. Consider remembrance activities such as memory boxes, quilts, cemetery visits, moments of silence or memorial services.

Often, anticipation can be more difficult than the day itself. Be gentle with yourself and others. There is no right or wrong way to remember.

Groups for child loss:

Parent Grief Support Group – Buffalo
Save The Michael’s of the World

Bereaved Parents of Western New York

Tiniest Angels – WNY Perinatal Bereavement Network

 

Loss of spouse or significant other:

Soaring Spirits – Buffalo/Northtowns and Southtowns

 

Groups for children and youth:

Helping Children Grow Through Grief

  • Golisano Children’s Hospital of Buffalo program for ages 5–18 who have experienced the death of a parent or sibling
  • Web address: To be determined
  • Tara: 716-323-1520

Youth Suicide Loss Grief Support Group

 

Online support programs:

Camp Erin (Online)

Children’s Bereavement Center

The Collective Hope

Sad Dad’s Club

T.A.P.S.

 

Faith-based support:

GriefShare