NCJ Number
139889
Editor(s)
N K Ruhe
Date Published
1989
Length
297 pages
Annotation
This training manual for chapter leaders and contact persons of Parents of Murdered Children, Inc. provides information on a range of substantive and procedural issues.
Abstract
The first chapter describes the organization's history, beginning when parents of a murdered girl formed a support group with several other bereaved parents. The second chapter discusses the crisis intervention and counseling skills needed by a group leader; it covers listening, coping mechanisms, psychological shock-denial, and conditions following serious life events. A chapter leader and/or contact person may be instrumental in forming new chapters of the organization. A chapter in the manual provides guidelines on starting a chapter, articles of association, an annual report, suggested topics and speakers, parents and sibling letters, anniversary notes, and contributions. Other chapters in the manual discuss support group facilitation and public speaking. Two subsequent chapters examine issues related to grief and criminal justice. Other issues noted include burnout, religion, depression, and suicide.