Sudden unexpected deaths pose unique challenges to thepsychological and emotional equilibrium of children andadolescents. The impact of the sudden death of a close familymember or classmates is not always evident in the immediateaftermath; however, grieving can be unleashed months or years afterthe loss.

Loss of loved ones through car accidents, fires, terrorist actsor through natural disasters, or violent acts in schoolenvironments can trigger intense trauma for a young person whoreflects (has invasive thoughts) on both the loss and circumstancesof the incident.

Your readings present an overview of children’s and adolescents’losses and some coping mechanisms that are practiced. To make thisassignment even more relevant for the class, your task is to reporton an accident, suicide, homicide, or incident that you know ofpersonally or one highlighted in the media that resulted in lostlives of children’s friends, classmates, family members, orneighbors. Include in your discussion how children and adolescentshave been or may be affected by losing loved ones or schoolclassmates. How might that trauma continue as a grief process? Arewe prepared to put interventions in place to serve children andadolescents if more such incidents occur?

Although grief does subside over time, what can we expect aboutthose young individuals affected by such traumatic incidents, andwhat can we do toward the healing process, depending on thechildren’s age and/or loss? In your discussion, give as manyspecifics as you can, how learned of a situation/loss, and howchildren and adolescents were affected. Be sure to interact.

This topic is worth 5 points for three substantiveparagraphs.