The Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model (CBEM)

Childhood bereavement is a prevalent and critical public health issue that can have a profound impact on future well-being. According to the Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model (CBEM), an estimated 1 out of 14 children in the U.S. will experience the death of a parent or sibling before they reach the age of 18. Over 4.9 million youth are bereaved, and the number more than doubles by age 25, to 12.8 million.

The CBEM is a first of its kind statistical tool that approximates rates of U.S. children and youth who will experience the death of a parent and/ or sibling by the time they reach adulthood. CBEM reports are updated annually using national and regional vital statistics to generate prevalence estimates. These accessible resources can be utilized to improve public awareness about the magnitude of childhood bereavement, conduct community-level assessments to identify service needs, better evaluate the social impact of unaddressed grief, and ultimately, contribute to improved public health outcomes.

JAG Institute

Founded in 2014 under the Judi’s House umbrella, JAG Institute is a center of knowledge and excellence that advances the bereavement field through research and advocacy, strengthens the workforce with training, and develops and disseminates valuable resources that build communities’ capacity to provide Comprehensive Grief Care. Comprehensive Grief Care promotes healthy adjustment to loss while addressing complications of bereavement through an effective continuum of grief- and trauma-informed, whole-family, preventive interventions. By expanding the foundational direct service, education, and evaluation work completed at Judi’s House, JAG Institute helps grief-minded partners nationwide apply evidence-informed practices and data-driven tools to plan future growth and development, influence social change, increase funding and resources, and ensure every bereaved child in their area has the care they need.