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The Compassionate Friends Principles

Reprinted with permission of The Compassionate Friends

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For Bereaved Siblings

1. TCF recognizes that siblings are an integral part of the family unit.

Their recovery is critical to the health of the total unit; and, therefore, TCF is committed to the involvement of siblings.

2. TCF offers friendship and understanding to bereaved siblings.

We are learning that the death of our brother or sister causes pain that other bereaved siblings understand best. Knowing that everybody needs love and support, we reach out to those who still feel alone and abandoned.

Attendance at meetings by those other than bereaved siblings is allowed only with prior consent of all group members.

3. TCF believes bereaved siblings can help each other toward a positive resolution of their grief.

We offer support as each bereaved sibling finds his or her own way through grief.

We know that expressing thoughts and feelings is part of the healing process. We offer an opportunity for sharing with, and learning from other bereaved siblings.

Everyone deserves an opportunity to share; however no one is compelled to speak. We have the responsibility to listen.

4. TCF reaches out to all bereaved siblings regardless of religion, race, economic class, or ethnic group.

We express our individual views with respect and consideration for those who may disagree with us.

5. TCF understands that all sibling members have individual needs and rights.

We recognize that there is more than one way to grieve and that bereaved siblings and bereaved parents may grieve in different ways and on differing timelines.

We know that these differing grief styles can cause additional stress and conflict in an already disabled family.

We remain nonjudgmental about individual needs and grief styles. We understand the emotional and spiritual dilemmas raised by the death of a sibling.

6. TCF recognizes that the term "bereaved sibling" encompasses all age groups.

We understand that the death of a brother or sister affects not only children but adult siblings as well.

We show sensitivity to all siblings regardless of age.

Adopted 1991

—© Copyright The Compassionate Friends, reprinted with permission.

The Compassionate Friends has chapters in Canada, Great Britain, the United States and other countries throughout the world. Chapters are open to all bereaved parents, siblings, grandparents and other family members who are grieving the death of a child of any age, from any cause.