FAQs about the NYC Children’s Grief Connection

1.  Where and when are the groups held?
The groups are held on the St. John’s University Queens Campus on Monday evenings.

2.  How long does the program last?
The program is 10 weeks long and is offered three times a year (fall, winter, spring).

3.  Do children and families seeking help need to speak English?
The New York City Children’s Grief Connection Queens site currently provides services only in English.

4.  Are siblings welcome?
Yes. All children who are grieving due to the death of a loved one are welcome.  Children are placed in groups with other children their age.

5.  Are caregivers’ spouses/partners welcome?
Yes. Because we see the caregivers as the conduits for change in children’s feelings and behavior, we welcome the opportunity to work with all of the adults in the home who parent the children.  We identify one caregiver who will complete the assessments before, during, and at the end of therapy for consistency.

6. Can families participate in other therapies and participate in services at Project CONNECT?
We recommend that children not receive other mental health counseling during PARTNERS therapy.

7. What does coming to the New York City Children’s Grief Connection involve?
Families complete an assessment before and after the group counseling to monitor progress and ensure that they are receiving the right help.  The group counseling occurs once a week for 1.5 hours. Families typically arrive at 6:15pm for the opening family meal and leave by 7:45pm.

8. Who leads the groups?
Groups are lead by highly qualified, licensed mental health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, and mental health counselors. Each has been specially trained in our scientifically-based methods. Group leaders are assisted by volunteers.

9.  Who might not be an appropriate referral to the New York City Children’s Grief Connection?
Children or parents/caregivers who have significant developmental delays or are experiencing severe, untreated mental health difficulties, such as bipolar disorder and psychosis, are referred for more appropriate services. If family members with severe mental health problems or alcohol/drug abuse are receiving active treatment to manage their difficulties, they are eligible to participate.

10.  Who can I contact if I have questions or want to make a referral to the New York City Children’s Grief Connection?
Please contact us at (718) 990-2367 or info@childHELPpartnership.org

Note: All names and places can be changed for purposes of confidentiality.