California CASA is hosting an important two-part webinar series in December focused on Understanding Grief and Supporting Young People Through Loss.

These sessions are designed specifically for CASA staff and volunteers. Throughout the series, we will explore the ways grief can appear in children and youth, how it may impact their behavior and well-being, and practical strategies for offering compassionate, trauma-informed support. Participants will gain tools for recognizing grief responses and creating safe spaces for young people to express and process their emotions. Both sessions will be recorded for those who are unable to attend. Please feel free to share the attached flyer with other CASA staff and volunteers.

• Part 1: Thursday, December 4th at 12:00 pm – Click here to register for Part 1
• Part 2: Thursday, December 18th at 12:00 pm – Click here to register for Part 2

Building on Part 1, this session will go deeper into: Secondary or “hidden” grief: how losses ripple (for example, loss of a friendship, loss of trust, loss of a sense of innocence, loss of normalcy) The concept of vulnerability and how it shows in youth during the holidays (e.g., expectations unmet, change in family dynamics, shifting routines) Practical strategies you can use: -How to talk about loss and ask questions that invite youth to share (without pressure) -Ways to support youth in creating meaningful memories or rituals during the holiday season -Helping youth build coping tools and resilient mindsets -How to care for yourself as a volunteer: maintaining boundaries, recognizing your own emotional response, connecting with peer support.