Supporting Children and Families Since 1965
October 25, 2022
Losing a parent or caregiver under any circumstance is a tragic and life-changing event for a child that can impact them in different ways throughout their life. In recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic and fatal overdoses have tragically resulted in hundreds of thousands of children losing a parent or caregiver. For example, it is estimated that more than 200,000 children and youth in the U.S. lost a caregiver due to COVID-19 in 2020 and 2021 and these tragic losses have been disproportionately experienced in Black and American Indian and Alaska Native communities. And between 2019 and 2021, nearly 200,000 people died from a drug overdose, many of whom were parents or caregivers of children.
Supporting children and families who have experienced loss is deeply embedded in the work we do every day at ACF. We are committed to partnering with states, tribes, territories, local governments, community partners, young people, parents, and caregivers to ensure that children and youth who have lost a parent or caregiver are connected with services and resources that can support them emotionally and financially.
ACF is working closely with agencies across the federal government and with key partners to ensure that families who experience parent and caregiver loss are aware of existing assistance. As part of these efforts, ACF is releasing a Dear Colleague Letter with information about resources that can make a difference.
We all have an important role to play in this national period of loss, especially for our young people. It is our hope that this information is useful and will highlight ways that different audiences can take action to support affected children and families. ACF especially encourages local efforts to engage with young people and families who have experienced loss so that those who have been most impacted can help design and deliver support that will be meaningful for them and their peers.
The journey of healing from grief - and rebuilding lives without loved ones - will differ from child to child and family to family. It is our intention to continue to bring attention to resources on economic supports, behavioral health and trauma, kinship and family support, and early childhood for those young people who must navigate this difficult journey.
No matter your role, please consider how you can use these resources to ensure that the children and families in your communities are informed and supported.
View the blog in Spanish (PDF)
