Rainbows, with the support of Tusla, Mental Health Ireland, and Toy Show funding have developed a Framework of Support for bereaved children and young people in special schools. It includes one to one support (only available in special schools) and small group support.

Research has shown that children with Intellectual Disability are often excluded from the bereavement process as it is assumed that they lack the capacity to mourn or that they need to be shielded from the grief.

The very foundation of the Framework recognises that each child experiencing a death is a grieving person, no matter what their age or level of development. Children who grieve alone or who bottle things up are at risk of developing problems that can have a negative effect on their development, their life and general well-being.

Similarly, following parental separation, children with Intellectual Disability may experience loss and difficulty managing new family situations.

This Framework supports staff to:

• Create safe, supportive and caring spaces for the voice and needs of children coping with loss
• Support bereaved pupils with care and sensitivity
• Build awareness and understanding of grief, loss, and family change and how children respond
• Gain confidence and competence to support children’s difficult feelings with empathy and compassion