Safe Crossings Pediatric Grief Program
Pediatric grief support for King County
Grief is a natural response when a significant person in our life is terminally ill or dies. Each of us experiences grief in our own unique way, and often grief is accompanied by intense, painful emotions that may be confusing and distressing. Children and teens especially may need support and guidance when faced with a loss. Safe Crossings Program can help provide that support.
For information on any of our programs you may also contact Makenzie Muilenburg, Safe Crossings program director at 206-225-5816.
Support for children and teens
Safe Crossings is a program for children and teens who are facing or have experienced the death of someone significant in their lives. We honor the philosophy that each child’s needs are unique. Our Master’s level counselors can provide compassionate and knowledgeable support for grieving children of all ages and their families living in King County. Safe Crossings Program also provides phone consultation to adults seeking information on how to best support a grieving child or teen. This includes caregivers, school counselors, teachers, or others supporting a grieving child.
Safe Crossings Program offers individual and family grief support in participant’s homes, at school, or at our office in Tukwila, WA. We also offer support groups in schools and or the community, seasonal events, and Camp Erin King County. See below for more information on specific programs.
School groups
Safe Crossings Program offers grief support groups in schools across King County. These groups are co-facilitated with a school counselor and take place during the school day. Groups focus on educating participants about grief and bereavement as well as normalizing and creating community around their experiences with loss.
Camp Erin
Camp Erin®- King County is a free, weekend (overnight) bereavement camp for youth who are grieving the death of a significant person in their lives. Children and teens ages 6 to 18 attend a weekend camp experience that combines grief education and emotional support with fun, traditional camp activities. Camp is led by professional staff and caring trained volunteers. Campers are provided a safe environment to explore their grief, learn essential coping skills, and make friends with peers who are also grieving. For more information and to register, visit the Camp Erin® website.
Seasonal events
Throughout the year Safe Crossings Program offers seasonal events for grieving families to come together as a community in remembrance of loved ones who have died.
Printable and more resources
You can download written material that may guide you in discussing grief with children:
- Download our booklet about understanding and helping a grieving child. English version; Spanish version
- Get helpful information about how to talk to children about death and dying: English version; Spanish version
All services are available at no charge
The Safe Crossings Program is made available to any child or teen in King County at no charge. The Safe Crossings Program continues to rely solely upon generous donations from the community. If you would like to support the Safe Crossings Program and help make a difference, you can do so here.