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The Stepping Stones Program believes every member with in a family (regardless of their age), copes in their own individual way with the death or illness of a loved one. Based on the developmental understanding, the relationship with the loved one, and the circumstances of the death or serious illness, each family member experiences grief differently. Understanding the differences can help support your grieving family members. In effort to support Pinellas County residents who are facing a death or serious illness of a loved one, Stepping Stones offers home, school, or the hospice service center based counseling.
Services offered:
Individual & Family Counseling
Counseling is provided for children, teens and their families by specially trained counselors who understand child development and use treatment interventions such as art and play.
Support Groups/Specialty Retreats
Based on identified client needs, groups may be offered at school and Hospice service centers throughout Pinellas County. These specialty groups and retreats are offered periodically to active clients of the Stepping Stones for Kids program. The Stepping Stones for Kids annual retreats include Camp Erin for bereaved children, Camp H.O.P.E. & Coping with the Holidays for bereaved families, C.U.B.E. for bereaved teens, and Kidshop for children with seriously ill family members.
Services for Traumatic Loss
Support is available for Pinellas County children and their families who have experienced and unexpected or sudden death, such as heart attack, suicide, homicide or accidental death.
Perinatal Loss
Counseling support is available for any family affected by pregnancy loss. Services may begin when a diagnosis is made during pregnancy or after the delivery. In addition to counseling support, a referral may be made, if desired, to a perinatal loss doula, who is trained to provide comfort care to mothers during the birthing process.
Crisis Intervention
Crisis Intervention is available for any local agency that serves children and has been affected by someone’s death.
To request counseling services, please ask parents or guardians to contact the Stepping Stones Program (727) 523-3458