The Safe Crossings Foundation

Scf presented the 10th annual northwest conference on childhood grief which provides clinicians, therapists, counselors, and community members an opportunity to learn about best practices when dealing with grieving children and their families. Regional professionals network, build community, and earn continuing education units. More than 120 professionals participated in the conference. Presenters provided continuing education on assorted topics, including traumatic loss and sensory regulation, delivering grief support in educational settings, storytelling, and dramatic play in childhood grief support, and supporting marginalized communities. An estimated 9,000 youth from our region directly benefited from the education and skills the grief professionals incorporated into their practice after attending this conference. Scf led quarterly professional development sessions for program partners to ensure services and support are accessible to all families, and disseminated current research and information on the need for children's mental health services and grief support. We also partnered with regional educational service districts, regional first responders, and government/nonprofit partners to share information about professional development and free programming for children.scf's youth & young professionals councils offer youth and young adults the opportunity to work with other grieving youths on leadership projects in a supportive environment that supplements peer support groups. The councils led a community conversation at a local high school campus to elevate youth voices on the topic of grief: "what grieving youth want you to know", delivered "care baskets" to teens who have experienced a death of a parent/sibling, and developed governing structures for council leadership transition.