Recent data from Judi’s House/JAG Institute’s Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model (CBEM) shows a concerning trend: a significant increase in the number of bereaved children since 2020. The 2024 CBEM results indicate that the number of children who will experience the death of a parent or sibling by adulthood has risen in 45 states compared to the 2023 results, underscoring the continued impact of the pandemic on childhood bereavement. In Massachusetts, 1 in 13 children will experience the death of a parent or sibling by the age of 18. This data emphasizes the profound impact of childhood grief on bereaved youth, families, and communities.
The death of a significant person in a child’s life is one of the most commonly reported adverse childhood experiences. If not addressed, childhood grief and trauma can lead to significant short- and long-term difficulties, such as poor academic performance, mental health issues, and premature mortality. Providing appropriate support to grieving children is crucial in reducing the impact of their loss and helping them cope.
Judi’s House has released an informative video to learn more about the 2024 CBEM data and the critical importance of addressing childhood bereavement. The video outlines the national and state-by-state CBEM results and provides additional resources for those affected by childhood grief. Watch it here:
