Florida News Connection
August 1, 2022
By: Trimmel Gomes
Losing a loved one can be traumatic, but when it
happens to children, it can leave them at risk of anxiety, depression and even
post-traumatic stress that can derail their educational progress. Experts in
grief say it's always a good measure to seek help.
New Hope for Kids in Maitland
runs a program designed to bring hope and healing to children and families
suffering from grief, for as long as they need.
"Kids are with us typically, very seldom are they here less than a year's
period of time," said David Joswick, executive director of the
volunteer-based organization that provides group grief support, free of charge.
"More typical is two to three years."
The American
Psychiatric Association recently added Prolonged Grief Disorder to its list of
mental disorders, describing it as intense emotional pain that
persists more than a year after a loss. Those at particular risk include people
who lose loved ones to violence, parents who lose children and anyone without a
support system to help them cope.
Joswick said the cost to run New Hope for Kids is about $600,000 a year, all
through charitable donations. He said the program serves, on average, 400 to
425 children and more than 350 adults. As kids work in groups to overcome their
grief, he said, the adults meet concurrently, so they can cope as a family.
"They've seen changes in the demeanor of kids in the family," he
said, "and it's created questions on their behalf of, 'How do I interact
with the kids during this period of time?' And so, we provide guidance to the
adults in the family."
Prolonged grief disorder, also known as complicated grief, has sparked debate
in the medical community. But clinicians now can bill insurance companies for
treating anyone with the condition. Some say the APA designation also opens the
door for more research and awareness. Joswick said his group made a decision
years ago to stay non-clinical, avoiding insurance reimbursement forms.
Content for this Post is provided by Florida News
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