Key Considerations

+ Transcript

Children should be considered when making death notifications. They should not be present for the initial notification. Also, if there is a language barrier, children never should be used to translate.  Young children will often mimic their primary caregivers reaction. Death notifications should be delivered by a person that the child trusts. If asked by the legal guardian to assist in notifying children some best practices include using age appropriate language and sitting on the same level as the child (on floor or in chair at equal level). If possible, have community resources available to assist.

Children

  • Make sure children are not present for initial notification
  • Never use children to translate
  • Death notifications should be delivered by a person that the child trusts