A program of Dougy Center: The National Grief Center for Children & Families
Issue 7, September 2022
Bill of Rights for Youth in Foster Care Who are Grieving
Do you know a youth in foster care who is grieving? The Bill of Rights for Youth in Foster Care Who are Grieving was developed by youth and incorporates feedback from youth in foster care who have participated in the L.Y.G.H.T. program. Youth in foster care who are grieving deserve to be understood and given opportunities to safely express their grief. This document outlines the ways that adult caregivers, teachers, friends, and other people in a youth’s life can support them as they navigate their grief while in, and after, foster care. We encourage you to share this document with youth in foster care, supportive adults, and any child welfare partners who provide support and services to youth in foster care. 

Learn more and download the Bill of Rights here.
L.Y.G.H.T. is Growing! 
In July 2022, we offered our third annual L.Y.G.H.T. Facilitator training in South Carolina. We currently have 54 trained facilitators and have offered the program to youth in foster care throughout South Carolina; in the Upstate, in the Midlands, and in the Lowcountry. During this training, supportive adults from child welfare community sites are trained on the evidence-based L.Y.G.H.T. program, based on The Dougy Center Model, and how to provide a safe and supportive peer grief support group for youth in foster care.
L.Y.G.H.T. Welcomes a New Team Member 
We are so excited to introduce our newest L.Y.G.H.T. team member, Grace Purvis. Grace is from Portland, Oregon and enjoys reading books and hiking in her free time. She will be assisting with all administrative tasks related to the L.Y.G.H.T. program and Dougy Center. We are happy to have our team grow and proud to have her on Team Dougy!
L.Y.G.H.T. is coming to Portland, Oregon
The L.Y.G.H.T. Program is expanding across the nation and making its way to Oregon! Dougy Center is currently speaking to local partners in Portland, Oregon to grow LYGHT into a program that can be offered youth and young adults in foster care on the West Coast. Are you located in the Portland Metro area and want to add the L.Y.G.H.T. Program to your services for support? If you are interested in becoming a community site or L.Y.G.H.T. Program facilitator, contact us at [email protected].
For more information about L.Y.G.H.T., send us an email or visit our website.