The Good Grief Program
The Good Grief Program at Boston Medical Center provides therapeutic support to pediatric patients of BMC who have experienced an important loss such as the death of a significant person, divorce, or separation from a primary caregiver. After a loss, children need the support of caring adults to help them make sense of their loss, to support their grief, and to strengthen their strategies to cope. The Good Grief Program offers a steadying and supportive force for children who are grieving as they respond to their loss or losses.
The program accomplishes this work through a variety of efforts, including:
- Offering consultation appointments to caregivers searching for the best ways to support their grieving children.
- Providing grief therapy.
- Providing grief-sensitive training and consultation to community agencies
- Connecting individuals to grief resources.
Through these services, the Good Grief Program seeks to meet the needs of children who are grieving and promote lifelong resiliency.
Getting Connected to Services
The Good Grief Program provides services to children and youth who:
- Are patients of Boston Medical Center or an affiliated health center,
- Are between the ages of 0-17,
- Have experienced an important loss, and
- Currently reside in Massachusetts.
When a child or youth is referred to our program for services, our team works closely with the child's caregiver to discuss needs and develop personalized options for support.
Effective October 1, 2024, the Good Grief Program will be merging referrals with the Child Witness to Violence Project. Please call 617.414.7425 to make a referral to either program.
Contact Information
Maureen Patterson-Fede, MSW, LICSW
Program Manager
Maureen.Patterson@bmc.org
Maureen Patterson-Fede is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker who bringing experience working with children and families to her work with the Good Grief Program. The central pillar to Maureen’s work has been supporting children and their caregivers as they heal from trauma and loss. She has worked with families in a variety of settings including domestic violence shelters, Children's Advocacy Centers, clinic-based settings, and home-based work. Across these environments, she has learned that families deeply benefit from kind, empathetic, and attentive care that is led by their needs and illuminates their strengths and resilience.
Administrative Office
801 Albany Street, 2nd Floor North
Boston, MA 02119