Death and the Adolescent: A Resource Handbook for Bereavement Support Groups in Schools

Jane Heath teaches psychology at Ryerson Polytechnical University in
Toronto.

Death and the Adolescent is a well-organized, comprehensive, and
practical guide to setting up a support group in the school setting for
adolescents coping with the death of a family member or peer with whom
they have been especially close. The authors describe how to set up a
support group and discuss such issues as group size, whether siblings
should be placed in the same group, the merits of separate groups for
those faced with the death of a grandparent versus that of an immediate
family member, and many other practical concerns. Various theoretical
and practical aspects of the process and structure of support groups are
examined, along with stages of mourning and aspects of grief unique to
adolescents. In addition to examples of group discussion logs, the book
includes various grief work exercises, sample parental permission forms,
numerous useful appendixes (including outlines of various religious
beliefs and funeral practices), a list of relevant community resources,
and a selected bibliography.

This lucidly written and informative book would be a valuable resource
to teachers, counselors, or social workers who are considering setting
up a support group for bereaved adolescents. It can be strongly
recommended as well for anyone working with adolescents.