Refugee Youth Resource

Grief, Loss, and Family Separation

FOR PROVIDERS

Grief, Loss, and Family Separation

Grief, loss, and separation are common experiences for many refugee children and youth, as forced migration often involves leaving behind loved ones, homes, communities, and familiar ways of life. Some young people may also experience prolonged or traumatic separation from parents or caregivers during displacement, migration, or resettlement, leading to complex feelings of sadness, worry, guilt, anger, or uncertainty that can affect their mood, behavior, relationships, and sense of stability as they adjust to life in the United States. For providers working with refugee youth, understanding grief, loss, and separation is important for recognizing how these experiences may shape a young person’s emotional responses and needs. Youth may express grief differently depending on their age, culture, and individual coping style, and their reactions may not always look like what providers expect. By learning more about these experiences, providers can respond with greater empathy, avoid misinterpreting emotional or behavioral changes, and support youth and families as they rebuild connections, strengthen support systems, and adapt to new environments during resettlement. 

RESOURCES: Grief, Loss, and Family Separation

for Providers

Grief and Loss

About Child Trauma

Coping with Unconfirmed Death for Forcibly Displaced Children and Families: Tips for Caregivers

Resource Type: PDF

Source: National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)

About Child Trauma

Supporting Resettled Afghan Children and Adolescents Experiencing Grief-Related Distress

Resource Type: PDF

Source: Switchboard

Refugee Trauma: Effects​

About Childhood Grief

Resource Type: PDF

Source: National Alliance for Children’s Grief

Understanding Refugee Trauma: For Mental Health Professionals (2018) ​

Developmental Responses to Grief

Resource Type: PDF

Source: Dougy Center

Understanding Refugee Trauma: For Child Welfare (2018)

Key Points to Remember when Talking to Children and Teens about Death and Dying

Resource Type: PDF

Source: National Alliance for Children’s Grief

Understanding Refugee Trauma: For Primary Care Providers (2018)​

Being Grief-Informed: From Understanding to Action

Resource Type: PDF

Source: Dougy Center

Understanding Refugee Trauma: For School Personnel (2018)

Responding to Change and Loss

Resource Type: PDF

Source: National Alliance for Children’s Grief

Languages: English, Spanish

Traumatic Separation and Loss

Trauma-Informed Case Management with Foreign National Children and youth Survivors of Trafficking (2021)

COMING SOON: Supporting Refugee and Newcomer Youth through Uncertainty: Navigating Loss, Separation, & Fear

Resource Type: Webinar

Source: USCRI Refugee Youth Resource Center

Trauma-Informed Care: A Primer for Refugee Service Providers (2023)

Children with Traumatic Separation: Information for Professionals

Resource Type: PDF

Source: National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)

Being Culturally and Trauma-Informed While Assisting Displaced Afghan Families (2022)

Key Points: Traumatic Separation and Refugee and Immigrant Children

Resource Type: PDF

Source: National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)

Being Culturally and Trauma-Informed While Assisting Displaced Afghan Families (2022)

Talking with Clients Expressing Fear and Distress Related to Potential Immigration Enforcement Actions

Resource Type: PDF

Source: Center for Adjustment, Recovery and Resilience (CARRE)