Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I get my child or teen started?
A: A parent or guardian calls 417.865.9998, and a staff member takes basic information about your family and the person who died. We will schedule an orientation appointment and answer your questions about  Lost & Found. An enrollment packet will be mailed to you for you to complete and return at your orientation appointment.

You will attend a 30-45 minute orientation to tour the facility, discuss requirements for participation and to ask questions. As many as 3-4 families may be scheduled together for orientation.

Upon receipt of your completed application forms, we will discuss group availability so that you and your child/teen may begin attending the appropriate meeting.

Q: How much does it cost to attend support groups at L&F?
A: Support groups at L&F are offered free of charge. L&F operates entirely on donations and grants. Donations are always appreciated, but not required to attend a group.

Q: How long will I be eligible to remain in a group at L&F?
A: There is no time limit to how long one can remain in a group at L&F. You are able to continue participating in group as long as one needs.

Q: Can I drop off my child for group and return later to pick them up?
A: No. For the safety of your child, we require that parents remain on the L&F premises during their child’s group. There is a parent’s group available during the children/teen group, but is not required for parents to attend.

Q: Will I know what my child says in group?
A: What your child says in group is considered confidential. If at any point, your child says something that indicates a need for further attention, the group coordinator will address you personally.

Q: What will I do at Lost & Found?
A: Children and Teens at L&F participate in a variety of activities in memory of their loved ones. Children may draw pictures of memories, design headstones for their loved one, create memory books, read books about children who have experienced a death, or draw and write about feelings they are experiencing.  Teens participate in more discussion-based activities, such as telling stories of favorite memories, answering questions about death, and writing about their loved one. All groups also have free time which they can use to play with the various toys, games and books which are designed to facilitate discussion about grief and to help them express their feelings.

Q: Is there a long waiting list?
A: No. We hold informational orientation sessions twice a month. Usually within a few weeks from the initial call and completion of a brief telephone intake questionnaire, a family will be able to attend an orientation. Once a family has completed orientation and returned the application forms, they are placed in a grief support group that meets twice a month.

Q: What if a Child/Teen needs private therapy?
A: L&F provides support services…not therapy or counseling. We have a list of referral therapists who counsel children, teens, and/or adults with grief issues.  Upon request and with no endorsements, we will provide this information to families so that they may select a therapist for their particular needs.

Q: Are there any additional resources available to my family?
A: Under the “Resources” section of our website you can find a wide variety of books regarding grief and bereavement that might be helpful to you and your family.