The experience of loss can place children and young people in a vulnerable position as it affects their development and overall emotional and social wellbeing (Davies, 1991; Tyson-Rawson, 1996). Situations that trigger feelings of loss can include family breakdown, the death of a relative or friend, parental unemployment, abuse, serious illness, injury, disability, loss of a pet, or imprisonment of a family member. Losses also can be the result of a change of house, school, neighborhood, community, friends, and financial security. For some children and young people, such experiences culminate with the loss of a dream or ideal, symbols, traditions, and routines. The experience of loss can markedly influence young people's perceptions of themselves and their world. They may not trust the predictability of events, their self-image may be damaged, they may feel they no longer belong, their sense of fairness and justice may be compromised, and they may believe they have lost control over their lives (Worden, 1996). Facing such challenges during childhood and adolescence does not in and of itself predispose one to ongoing psychological or learning difficulties. However, it does raise pressing concerns about the most effective ways to support young people as they struggle to make sense of their experience and to respond constructively.
