HHS Officials Visit Family Grief Support Center to Highlight the Importance of Federal Resources Available to Support Children and Families who have Experienced Parent and Caregiver Loss

The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) Assistant Secretary January Contreras and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Assistant Secretary for Health Admiral Rachel Levine visited Roberta’s House in Baltimore, Maryland, to highlight the vital support for children, young people, and families who have experienced the loss of a parent or caregiver with a focus on loss due to COVID-19, substance use, and violence.

Assistant Secretary Contreras and Admiral Levine attended a tour of the facility and hosted a roundtable discussion with community partners to hear directly how federal resources and community partners help to support children and families experiencing parent and caregiver loss.

To underscore the importance of community partners like Roberta’s House and highlight federal assistance, ACF released a Dear Colleague Letter to provide information about federal resources available to support children, youth, and families who have experienced the loss of a parent or caregiver and encourage everyone to consider their role in supporting families and building community resilience.

Realizing that everyone has a role to play in supporting families and communities who are dealing with loss — and that grief can look very different person by person and family by family — the letter highlights ways various stakeholders can take action to assist children and families with economic; behavioral health, grief, and trauma; early childhood programs; and other essential supports.

“When a caregiver dies, we must support those who are left behind. Loss and grief create heavy emotional and financial burdens for surviving children and family members,” said ACF Assistant Secretary January Contreras. “ACF will continue working with partners 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.”

“Losing a loved one is extremely emotional,” said Admiral Rachel Levine, assistant secretary for health. “When a child loses a parent or a caregiver, the devastating impact can reverberate through communities. As a pediatrician, I understand the unique supports required to support children, youth, and families who have experienced a tragic loss and the urgency behind providing timely services and helpful resources.”  

In recent years, losing a parent or caregiver has become an ongoing tragedy for children and youth caused by the co-occurring COVID-19 pandemic, drug overdose crises, and increases in suicides and homicides. It is estimated that more than 229,000 children have lost one or both parents ; 252,000 have lost a primary caregiver; and 291,000 have lost a primary or secondary caregiver due to COVID-19. Families and communities of color, including tribal communities, have disproportionately experienced the negative impact of these losses.

ACF programs play a critical role in supporting children and families who suffer from the tragedy of losing a parent or caregiver. Providing these necessary resources for maintaining or regaining stability will help build the protective factors needed for long-term health and well-being and ensure communities are equipped to provide needed assistance for the families  experiencing these losses.

To learn more, visit www.acf.hhs.gov/caregiverloss .