Childhood bereavement rates have increased over the past two decades, highlighting the growing need for grief-informed education, support, and resources.
Research consistently shows that grief can affect students’ academic performance, emotional well-being, social relationships, and overall school experience.
Grief-informed schools and communities help ensure that students do not have to navigate loss alone. In these communities, educators are better equipped to respond with understanding and support and students are aware of resources and skills to support themselves and their peers.
Source: 2026 Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model (CBEM)
+151,000
Children across New Jersey are predicted to experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18.