PROCEDURES for CONFIRMING Emotional Disturbance & Mental

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

PROCEDURES for CONFIRMING Emotional Disturbance & Mental 1 PPRROOCCEEDDUURREESS FFOORR CCOONNFFIIRRMMIINNGG EEmmoottiioonnaall DDiissttuurrbbaannccee && MMeennttaall RReettaarrddaattiioonn January 2003 Edition COMMITTEE MEMBERS Carolyn F. Bailey, Ph.D., NCSP Marilyn Chapman, M.A., AGS, NCSP Erica Edelman, Ph.D., NCSP Robert Foster, Ph.D. Ana Groene, Psy.S., NCSP Audene Harvey, Ed.S., NCSP Jeffrey D. Hoffman, M.A., CAS Stephen Johnsen, Ph.D. Michelle L. Palmer, Psy.S., NCSP Celia Schuchman, Ph.D. Stephan M. Silverman, Ph.D., NCSP Kimberley Watson, Ph.D. John W. Wisor, Ph.D. ADVISORY COMMITTEE Ronit Eschel Robert Fuhrer Mary Lou Tucker June Zillich 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page No. Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 4 Early Intervention ............................................................................................................................................... 5 Student Information Summary .......................................................................................................................... 5 Referral Process to Special Education .............................................................................................................. 6 Screening..................................................................................................................................................... 6 Assessment Procedures .............................................................................................................................. 7 Disability-Specific Procedures............................................................................................................................ 7 Emotional Disturbance .............................................................................................................................. 7 Definition............................................................................................................................................ 7 Evaluation Components.................................................................................................................... 8 Evaluation IEP Team Meeting......................................................................................................... 8 Mental Retardation .................................................................................................................................... 10 Definition ..................................................................................................................................... 10 Evaluation Components ............................................................................................................. 10 Evaluation IEP Team Meeting .................................................................................................. 11 Re-Evaluation Procedures .................................................................................................................................. 12 Emotional Disturbance .............................................................................................................................. 12 Mental Retardation .................................................................................................................................... 12 Conclusion............................................................................................................................................................ 13 Appendices A. Student Information Summary............................................................................................................. 14 B. Emotional Disturbance-Student Screening Profile Worksheet ......................................................... 18 C. Common Terms-Emotional Disturbance Student Screening Profile Worksheet ............................. 20 D. Parent Questionnaire Supplement........................................................................................................ 23 E. Emotional Disturbance Multidisciplinary Evaluation Form.............................................................. 26 F. Characteristics of Emotional Disturbance: Sample Behaviors .......................................................... 29 G. Mental Retardation Multidisciplinary Evaluation Form ................................................................... 31 H. Frequently Asked Questions.................................................................................................................. 34 I. Worksheet/Checklist .............................................................................................................................. 37 J. Process Flow Chart ................................................................................................................................ 40 K. Resources................................................................................................................................................. 44 3 Introduction The Office for Civil Rights in the US Department of Education has identified the issue of the over-representation of African American students in the categories of emotional disturbance and mental retardation as a significant barrier to their right to equal educational opportunity. In Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) one attempt to ensure equal educational opportunity to such students was the creation of an Advocacy Review Committee (ARC), which reviewed the records of African-American special education students identified as having emotional disturbance or mental retardation and made recommendations for best practice diagnostic procedures. At the recommendation of members of the ARC, the Montgomery County School Psychologists Association (MCSPA) created a subcommittee to develop best practice procedures for confirming Emotional Disturbance and/or Mental Retardation. These procedures are an outgrowth of the work done by the MCSPA. They reflect the MCPS goal of the promoting student achievement and keeping students in the general education classes to the greatest extent possible. They are intended to provide practical assistance to school personnel attempting to improve their early intervention problem solving process and special education diagnostic decision-making processes and procedures, with the expectation that this will eliminate the disproportionate representation of African American students in special education programs. “Emotional Disturbance,” is defined in the Individuals with “Mental Retardation,” is defined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Code of Maryland Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) as follows: Regulations (COMAR), the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual- Fourth Edition (DSM-IV), and by the American Association of A condition exhibiting one or more of the following Mental Retardation (AAMR) as follows: characteristics over a long period of time and to a marked degree that adversely affects a child’s educational performance: • the age of onset comes before the age of 18 • an inability to learn that cannot be explained by • the person demonstrates significantly sub-average intellectual, sensory, or health factors intellectual functioning demonstrated by comprehensive • an inability to build or maintain satisfactory measures of Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning competencies interpersonal relationships with peers and teachers at or below standard scores of 70±5 or two or more standard • inappropriate types of behavior or feelings under deviations below the mean based on individual test manual normal circumstances requirements in multiple measures of verbal and non-verbal • a general pervasive mood of unhappiness or reasoning depression • significantly sub-average adaptive skill functioning in at least • a tendency to develop physical symptoms or fears two of the following areas: communication, health & safety, associated with personal or school problems self-care, functional academics, home living, leisure, social skills, work, and community use The term includes schizophrenia. The term does not apply to • the above described deficits adversely affect the child’s children who are socially maladjusted, unless it is determined that educational performance they have an Emotional Disturbance. The definitions of Emotional Disturbance and Mental Retardation generally remain static, as they are legal dictates. However, many leaders in assessment research agree that diagnosing Emotional Disturbance, Mental Retardation, and the subsequent need for special education is one of the most difficult tasks given to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. Working in a collaborative and interdisciplinary mode, the IEP team must consider a number of possible factors that may account for the academic or behavioral difficulties, such as environmental and cultural factors, as well as weigh issues of duration, severity, and pervasiveness of problem manifestations. Except when the severity of certain symptoms (e.g., depression) threatens to result in extreme impairment, the team must be convinced that appropriate interventions have been tried in the general education setting and found lacking before making a final eligibility decision. In extreme cases, professional judgment should take precedence over normal procedures. The determination of Mental Retardation is particularly challenging when the diagnosis has not been made prior to age five or upon school entrance. However, in instances
Recommended publications
  • The Effect of Opioids on Emotional Reactivity
    The Effect of Opioids on Emotional Reactivity Steven M. Savvas, BHSc (Hons) Discipline of Pharmacology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences University of Adelaide August, 2013 A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy i Steven M. Savvas, PhD Thesis, 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS Abstract .................................................................................................................................... xi Declaration ............................................................................................................................ xiii Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................... xiv CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION ...................................................................................... 1 1.1 OPIOIDS AND OPIOID MAINTENANCE TREATMENT ...................................... 1 1.1.1 A BRIEF HISTORY OF OPIOIDS .......................................................................... 1 1.1.2 OPIOID RECEPTORS ............................................................................................ 1 1.1.3 ADAPTATION TO OPIOIDS.................................................................................. 3 1.1.3.1 Tolerance ........................................................................................................ 4 1.1.3.2 Withdrawal ...................................................................................................... 4 1.1.3.3 Dependence
    [Show full text]
  • Cognitive Patterns and Coping Mechanisms in the Context of Internet Use
    applied sciences Article Cognitive Patterns and Coping Mechanisms in the Context of Internet Use 1 1 1 2,3, 4 Cristina Costescu , Iulia Chelba , Adrian Ros, an , Attila Kovari * and Jozsef Katona 1 Special Education Department, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Babes-Bolyai University, Sindicatelor Street no 7, 400029 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; [email protected] (C.C.); [email protected] (I.C.); [email protected] (A.R.) 2 Department of Natural Sciences and Environmental Protection, Institute of Engineering, University of Dunaujvaros, Tancsics M 1/A, 2400 Dunaujvaros, Hungary 3 Alba Regia Technical Faculty, Obuda University, Budai u 45., 8000 Szekesfehervar, Hungary 4 Institute of Computer Engineering, University of Dunaujvaros, Tancsics M 1/A, 2400 Dunaujvaros, Hungary; [email protected] * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +36-25-551-635 Abstract: Recent research indicates there are different cognitive patterns and coping mechanisms related to increased levels of Internet use and emotional distress in adolescents. This study aims to investigate the relationship between coping mechanisms, dysfunctional negative emotions, and Internet use. A total of 54 participants aged between 14 and 19 years old completed a questionnaire containing several measures and demographics information. We measured participants’ coping strategies, emotional distress, social and emotional loneliness, and their online behavior and Internet addiction using self-report questionnaires. In order to identify the relation between the investigated variables, we used correlation analysis and regression, and we tested one mediation model. The results showed that maladaptive coping strategies and Internet use were significant predictors of dysfunctional negative emotions. Moreover, passive wishful thinking, as a pattern of thinking, was Citation: Costescu, C.; Chelba, I.; associated with anxious and depressed feelings.
    [Show full text]
  • The Lonely Society? Contents
    The Lonely Society? Contents Acknowledgements 02 Methods 03 Introduction 03 Chapter 1 Are we getting lonelier? 09 Chapter 2 Who is affected by loneliness? 14 Chapter 3 The Mental Health Foundation survey 21 Chapter 4 What can be done about loneliness? 24 Chapter 5 Conclusion and recommendations 33 1 The Lonely Society Acknowledgements Author: Jo Griffin With thanks to colleagues at the Mental Health Foundation, including Andrew McCulloch, Fran Gorman, Simon Lawton-Smith, Eva Cyhlarova, Dan Robotham, Toby Williamson, Simon Loveland and Gillian McEwan. The Mental Health Foundation would like to thank: Barbara McIntosh, Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities Craig Weakes, Project Director, Back to Life (run by Timebank) Ed Halliwell, Health Writer, London Emma Southgate, Southwark Circle Glen Gibson, Psychotherapist, Camden, London Jacqueline Olds, Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard University Jeremy Mulcaire, Mental Health Services, Ealing, London Martina Philips, Home Start Malcolm Bird, Men in Sheds, Age Concern Cheshire Opinium Research LLP Professor David Morris, National Social Inclusion Programme at the Institute for Mental Health in England Sally Russell, Director, Netmums.com We would especially like to thank all those who gave their time to be interviewed about their experiences of loneliness. 2 Introduction Methods A range of research methods were used to compile the data for this report, including: • a rapid appraisal of existing literature on loneliness. For the purpose of this report an exhaustive academic literature review was not commissioned; • a survey completed by a nationally representative, quota-controlled sample of 2,256 people carried out by Opinium Research LLP; and • site visits and interviews with stakeholders, including mental health professionals and organisations that provide advice, guidance and services to the general public as well as those at risk of isolation and loneliness.
    [Show full text]
  • Can a Self-Compassion Writing Intervention Impact Feelings of Loneliness?
    Macalester College DigitalCommons@Macalester College Psychology Honors Projects Psychology Department Spring 5-1-2021 Can a Self-Compassion Writing Intervention Impact Feelings of Loneliness? Brooke R. Offenhauser Macalester College, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/psychology_honors Part of the Health Psychology Commons Recommended Citation Offenhauser, Brooke R., "Can a Self-Compassion Writing Intervention Impact Feelings of Loneliness?" (2021). Psychology Honors Projects. 49. https://digitalcommons.macalester.edu/psychology_honors/49 This Honors Project is brought to you for free and open access by the Psychology Department at DigitalCommons@Macalester College. It has been accepted for inclusion in Psychology Honors Projects by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@Macalester College. For more information, please contact [email protected]. CAN SELF-COMPASSION IMPACT LONELINESS? 1 Can a Self-Compassion Writing Intervention Impact Feelings of Loneliness? Brooke R. Offenhauser Advisor: Jaine Strauss, Department of Psychology Submitted 23 April 2021 CAN SELF-COMPASSION IMPACT LONELINESS? 2 Abstract Loneliness is an increasingly widespread concern for many individuals, especially college students and young adults, and has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Loneliness can negatively impact health and well-being; however, many interventions are not successful in reducing loneliness. One possible intervention may be a resilience practice. Namely, self-compassion may reduce feelings of loneliness because it provides a way to connect with oneself and support well-being. This study aimed to examine the impact of a self-compassion intervention on feelings of loneliness and well-being in college students. It utilized a self-compassion writing intervention compared to a control self-affirmation writing intervention and examined both state or momentary feelings, as well as general or long-term feelings.
    [Show full text]
  • The Psychological Aspects of Loneliness Experienced by College Students
    Western Michigan University ScholarWorks at WMU Dissertations Graduate College 4-1984 The Psychological Aspects of Loneliness Experienced by College Students Jerie Kull Wood Western Michigan University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/dissertations Part of the Developmental Psychology Commons Recommended Citation Wood, Jerie Kull, "The Psychological Aspects of Loneliness Experienced by College Students" (1984). Dissertations. 2406. https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/dissertations/2406 This Dissertation-Open Access is brought to you for free and open access by the Graduate College at ScholarWorks at WMU. It has been accepted for inclusion in Dissertations by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks at WMU. For more information, please contact [email protected]. THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF LONELINESS EXPERIENCED BY COLLEGE STUDENTS by Jerie Kull Wood A Dissertation Submitted to the Faculty of The Graduate College in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education Department of Counseling and Personnel Western Michigan University Kalamazoo, Michigan April 1984 Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission. THE PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF LONELINESS EXPERIENCED BY COLLEGE STUDENTS Jerie Kull Wood, Ed.D. Western Michigan University, 1984 Loneliness is a common problem that occurs at various life stages, but is most intense for college students. To clarify and operationalize the concepts of loneliness, several current sociological and psychological approaches to loneliness were critically examined. The major purposes of this study were to identify the lonely among the student population, the types of lone­ liness they experience, the behavioral manifestations of that loneliness, and the effectiveness of an intervention method.
    [Show full text]
  • Cognition and Emotion: from Order to Disorder [Book Review]
    Downloaded by [New York University] at 13:13 12 August 2016 COGNITION AND EMOTION This fully updated edition of the highly praised Cognition and Emotion provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary research and traditional philosophical perspectives on both normal emotional experience and emotional disorders. Uniquely, this book integrates two areas which are often treated separately: the main theories of normal emotions and theories of emotional disorders (e.g. depression, post-traumatic stress disorder and phobias). It draws these strands together with a theoretical framework which can be applied to both normal and disordered emotions. The authors also provide a comprehensive review of the literature on cognition and emotion, including coverage of the historical background and philosophy of emotion, and research on the five basic emotions of fear, anger, sadness, disgust and happiness. Cognition and Emotion provides a novel approach with a range of implications for clinical practice. It will be essential reading for undergraduate and postgraduate courses on emotion. Mick Power is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the National University of Downloaded by [New York University] at 13:13 12 August 2016 Singapore. In the past he has worked at universities and hospitals in London, Edinburgh, Norway, Italy, China and New Zealand. He has worked for the Medical Research Council and for many years has been a Research Advisor with the World Health Organization. Tim Dalgleish is a Senior Research Scientist and practising clinical psychologist at the Medical Research Council Cognition and Brain Sciences Unit in Cambridge. His main research interests include psychological reactions to trauma and cognition– emotion relations in the emotional disorders.
    [Show full text]
  • Associations Between Feelings of Loneliness and Attitudes Towards Physical Education in Contemporary Adolescents According to Sex, and Physical Activity Engagement
    International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health Article Associations between Feelings of Loneliness and Attitudes towards Physical Education in Contemporary Adolescents According to Sex, and Physical Activity Engagement Rosario Padial-Ruz 1 , Gloria González-Campos 2 ,Félix Zurita-Ortega 1 and M. Esther Puga-González 3,* 1 Department of Didactics of Musical, Plastic and Corporal, University of Granada, 18011 Granada, Spain; [email protected] (R.P.-R.); [email protected] (F.Z.-O.) 2 Department of Human Motor Skills and Sport Performance, University of Sevilla, 41013 Sevilla, Spain; [email protected] 3 Department of Didactics of Musical, Plastic and Corporal, University of Jaén, 2307 Jaen, Spain * Correspondence: [email protected]; Tel.: +34-607-587523 Received: 23 June 2020; Accepted: 19 July 2020; Published: 30 July 2020 Abstract: Background: Currently, adolescents grow up consuming a large amount of multimedia content and lead a sedentary lifestyle. As a result, emerging trends show greater feelings of loneliness. The present research seeks to describe adolescents’ attitudes towards Physical Education (PE), indices of loneliness and physical activity (PA) engagement. Further, it analyses associations between attitudes towards PE as a function of PA engagement and considers sex, loneliness and school year repetition as factors. Method: A sample of 2388 adolescents (43.3% males and 56.6% females) was recruited. Participants were aged 11–17 years (M = 13.8 years; SD = 1.2) and came from Spain. The following instruments were used: The Attitudes towards Physical Education questionnaire (AQPE) in order to analyze attitudes towards PE, and the University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) loneliness scale to estimate loneliness.
    [Show full text]
  • Grief Resources
    Grief Resources If you need immediate support, please call First Candle: 1-800-221-7437 (Counselors are available 24/7) MISCARRIAGE, STILL BIRTH AND FULL TERM LOSS First Candle No matter how deep your Grief and how Great your pain, remember that you are not alone. First Candle, alonG with others who have traveled this road before you, can help you throuGh this difficult time. We can guide you through the grieving process and empower you to help other families facinG the same traGedy. For Immediate Grief Support, Call 1-800-221-7437. Counselors are available 24/7 Born Still Christian support for GrievinG parents Common Care Loss Support Common Care Loss Support is a support Group for those who have suffered miscarriaGe, stillbirth or early infant death and for those who experience pregnancy after loss. Registered n Jessamine County, Kentucky, we offer monthly support Group meetinGs and host special events and fundraisers. Count the Kicks Available as an app, Count the Kicks is a safe and simple way to help monitor baby’s well-being. It teaches expectant mothers how to monitor and track their baby’s movements daily in the third trimester of preGnancy with the Goal of reducinG stillbirth. They have a great pamphlet for parents and families who have experienced the death of both or all of a set of twins, triplets or hiGher multiples, durinG preGnancy, at birth, or in infancy. http://www.climb-support.orG/pdf/bothall.pdf CLIMB- center for loss in multiple birth/ www.climb-support.orG A non-profit organization based in Anchorage, Alaska, serving families and others throughout the United States, Canada and beyond.
    [Show full text]
  • The Impact of Loneliness: Social Vs. Emotional Isolation
    The Impact of Loneliness: Social vs. Emotional Isolation Social vs. Emotional Isolation Loneliness and isolation cost more in every way – to the patient’s health and quality of life, the patient’s wallet, the provider’s bottom line, and to the country’s healthcare system as a whole. So, what is isolation? Emotional Isolation Prevalence of Isolation Maladaptive behavioral thinking that makes you feel “alone,” even when you are with others and % Isolation % 35 and 24 have frequent contact with other people Depression Social Isolation Around 24% of American adults suffer from mental illness, while roughly 35% of American adults say they have Isolation from others in which an individual does experienced social isolation. These numbers show that not have contact, specifically in-person, with loneliness is not simply depression, and it should be other people evaluated and treated differently. While loneliness can lead to depression, or vice versa, the two don’t always occur together. During a Health Crisis Effects of Social Isolation Two thirds of adults report having experienced social Loneliness impacts mental and overall isolation and a majority of those experiencing social wellbeing including: isolation also report other negative feelings. Fight or Adults are aware that increased social isolation can have % % an impact on someone’s mental and physical health, and 30 40 Flight two thirds agree that experiencing a global health crisis has increased risk increase in stress affecting caused their stress/anxiety levels to increase. of stroke
    [Show full text]
  • SOCIAL ISOLATION: Its Impact on the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Older Victorians
    COTA VICTORIA WORKING PAPER NO. 1 SOCIAL ISOLATION: Its impact on the mental health and wellbeing of older Victorians Anne Pate February 2014 workingpaper#1.indd 1 14/02/2014 12:37 pm © COTA Victoria All rights reserved. Except as provided under Australian copyright law, no part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. Publication rights are reserved to COTA Victoria Published by COTA Victoria Level 4 Block Arcade 98 Elizabeth St Melbourne 3000 1300 135 090 ISBN 13: 978-1-925156-00-3 ISSN 2203 - 4633 (Print) ISSN 2203 - 4641 (Online) COTA Victoria is supported by financial assistance from the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments. workingpaper#1.indd 2 14/02/2014 12:37 pm COTA VICTORIA WORKING PAPER NO. 1 | SOCIAL ISOLATION: Its impact on the mental health and wellbeing of older Victorians COTA VICTORIA WORKING PAPER NO. 1 COTA Victoria is the primary organisation representing the interests of older Victorians. Our vision is to see a just, equitable, inclusive and humane society in which older people live well, with dignity and purpose. From its inception in 1951 as the Old People’s Welfare Council of Victoria, COTA has sought to ensure older people are able to optimise their opportunities for health, security and participation as valued members of their community. This series of working papers is designed to bring the policy focus of COTA Vic’s work to as wide an audience as possible and to promote discussion among older people, policy makers, academics and those interested in the wellbeing of older people on issues of importance.
    [Show full text]
  • Developing Compassion
    Breaking Bad News Dr. Robert Buckman (drbuckman.com) Bad news is information that seriously and adversely affects the patient's view of his or her future. Acknowledge emotion in the room Breaking Bad News: S = setting (get the setting right) P = perceives (what the person perceives) I = invitation (an invitation to share the news) K = knowledge (Giving the knowledge) E = empathize and explore (and exploring the patient's emotions) S = strategies and summarize Breaking Bad News: S = setting (get the setting right) P = perceives (what the person perceives) I = invitation (an invitation to share the news) K = knowledge (Giving the knowledge) E = empathize and explore (and exploring the patient's emotions) S = strategies and summarize When need to give information: C = context (if on telephone "set agenda".) O = opening shot (talk slowly let grasp situation) N = narrative (talk slowly, describe events in chronological order) E = emotion S = strategy and summarize If asked: Stop and go to "end" and give expression of regret. Note: If asking if dead: Anything other than no is a yes. Developing Compassion Gerry Goldberg Ph.D., C. Psych. 1 Relentless Self-criticism Traumatic events lead to self-doubt about actions resulting in guilt, shame, etc.—particularly when it comes to first responders! Guilt, shame, etc. can lead to burnout. Burnout is a form a depression in which there is a decreased ability to show compassion. Developing compassion towards others and one’s self, as part of a resilient lifestyle, may protect against burnout. What is compassion? Compassion is not religious business, is human business; it is not luxury, it is essential for our own peace and mental stability; it is essential for human survival.
    [Show full text]
  • Bereavement Resources
    Bereavement Resources _______________________ New England Organ Bank "A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam, and for a brief moment New England Organ Bank its glory and beauty belong to our world. But then it flies on again, 60 First Avenue and though we wish it could have stayed, we feel so lucky to have Waltham, MA 02451 seen it." By Eunice Brown (800) 446-6362 www.neob.org For All Donor Families: The Center for Grieving Children National Donor Family Council: (207) 775-5216 800-622-9010 www.cgcmaine.org www.kidney.org Based in Portland, ME, The Center for Grieving Children serves Supported by the National Kidney Foundation (NKF), The National children, teens, and families through peer support, outreach, and Donor Family Council (NDFC) supports donor families and attempts education. The Center’s mission is to provide loving support that to fulfill their needs and expectations. The NDFC aims to enhance the encourages the safe expression of grief & loss and fosters resilience sensitivity and effectiveness of the organ and tissue procurement and emotional well-being. process, educate the public on the benefits of organ and tissue donation through the personal touch of donor family members, and Friends Way give support to donor family members as they grieve and heal. (401) 921-0980 www.friendsway.org For Bereaved Spouses: Friends Way (Families Reaching Into Each New Day) serves families throughout Rhode Island. Friends Way is committed to providing peer support to grieving families in a safe, nurturing environment. AARP Widowed Persons Service They assist children & their families through their grief with comfort 800-424-3410 and support from peers struggling with similar feelings of loss.
    [Show full text]