HR0586 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0586 LRB097 14270 KXB 59109 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Children who have had a loved one die, especially a close family member or friend, can carry that loss with them forever, causing confusion and fearfulness as they struggle to understand why their loved one was taken away; and

WHEREAS, Grieving children often struggle to get over the loss of a loved one, and, despite appearances, have intense inner turmoil which often goes unrecognized; and

WHEREAS, Counseling provided by hospices, churches, organizations, and grief counseling centers offers emotional support for children struggling with grief, allowing them to find guidance and understanding during an extremely difficult time; and

WHEREAS, On November 17, 2011, citizens and communities throughout Illinois are encouraged to wear blue in an effort to raise awareness and show their support for grieving children and the grief centers that seek to serve those young people confounded by the reality of death; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize November 17, 2011, as "Children's Grief Awareness Day" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That all support agencies in the State of Illinois that provide grief counseling support services to children be recognized for their efforts to support children, teens, families, and communities in coping with grief and the death of a loved one.