The death of a child is a life-altering loss. When that loss is sudden and unexpected, it often leaves families with deep grief, unanswered questions, and an urgent need for support. The Robert’s Program offers grief-informed services tailored to the unique needs of families who have experienced this kind of loss.
Our bereavement services are individualized for each family. For families in Massachusetts, we offer early support to help navigate the first days and weeks after the loss and/or joining the program, as well as opportunities to participate in a bereavement support group including local families. For all families — regardless of location — we provide tailored guidance and help identifying grief-related resources in their local communities.
We provide a curated grief support guide, including information for parents, siblings, and grandparents, and maintain a growing database of local and national resources to support families in the days, weeks, and months ahead.
In addition to bereavement support, we partner with parents to better understand the impact of sudden pediatric death and to shape future support efforts. Families may have opportunities to participate in research focused on grief, parenting after loss, and family well-being, with the goal of building care models that reflect the needs and voices of those most directly affected.
There is no timeline for grief. Families are always welcome to reach out again — whether for updated resources, support around anniversaries or milestones, or new concerns that arise over time.
For more information about bereavement services or current research opportunities, please contact us at robertsprogram@childrens.harvard.edu or 617-919-4513.
