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Blue Butterfly Family Grief Program

Specialized Grief Support for Children and Teens

The Blue Butterfly Family Grief Center is a program of Tidewell Grief Care. Our mission is to serve children ages 5-18 and their caregivers by providing a safe space to grieve and process after a significant death in their lives.

a group of women planting plants

Staffed by clinical mental health professionals, our model includes evidence-based interventions and activities to help children feel safe to share their feelings and work through their pain alongside their peers. Caregivers participate in support groups too, where they learn ways to support their grieving child and themselves. Support groups are in the evenings, twice per month at four convenient locations in Manatee, Sarasota and Charlotte counties. Dinner is always provided. Our groups are available at no cost to you.

Common Grief Reactions in Children

Grief expressions in children come in many forms and can include:

  • Changes in eating, sleeping and relationships
  • Emotional outbursts
  • Increase in negative behaviors
  • Changes in school performance, both negative and positive
  • Regression in developmental abilities
  • Physical complaints including headaches, stomachaches, muscle aches and more
  • Inability to identify and express feelings about the death

Enroll Your Family 

New!  Saturday Support Group Available

To learn more about the Blue Butterfly Program call (941) 893-6610 or complete the Grief Support form.

Para hablar con un consejero en español, por favor llame al (941) 894-1704.