NCJ Number
165927
Date Published
1997
Length
0 pages
Annotation
This video portrays children and youth reacting to and coping with the death of a family member; the intent is to help them understand that they are not alone in their grief and that there are constructive ways of grieving for a loved one who has died.
Abstract
The video is divided into three parts. The first part focuses on children ages 2-6. It portrays a group session with a counselor who guides children into acknowledging the deaths of loved ones and in expressing their feelings about death and those who have died. The narrator comments that it is important to remember those who have died through the reliving of memories and talking with others about one's feelings. The second section of the video focuses on children ages 7 through 11. It features the experience of a young girl (Marjorie) whose brother (Marvin) was killed while working at a local McDonald's. As she shares with the viewers her feelings about her brother and how his death has affected her, scenes of Marvin's funeral are presented. A community-activities leader talks about his philosophy of involving grieving children in community activities where they experience a sense that life, relationships, and fulfilling activities continue and help fill the void left by the loss of a loved one. The final section of the video focuses on grieving youth between the ages of 12 and 18. Three of the youths talk about the murders of family members. They express feelings of guilt at not having done something that might have prevented the tragic incident, and sadness at not having done or said all they intended while the person was alive, and they talk about memories and feelings they carry with them. The video concludes with a philosophical statement about how a person copes with the death of a loved one.