The Victim & Witness Services Unit also includes the Family Bereavement Center (FBC) – the only bereavement center in the state with a full-time staff to serve survivors of homicide. Since opening its doors in 1990 the Center has provided survivors of homicide victims with individual counseling sessions, bi-weekly support groups and workshops series focused on creative coping skills such as meditation and creative writing.

FBC’s target population is family members of individuals murdered in Baltimore City. Losing a loved one is one of the most distressing and emotional experiences in one’s life. The Family Bereavement Center is here to assist those who have lost loved ones with their grief journey. The FBC is staffed by 2 full time Social Workers. Individuals interested in services through the FBC can call to schedule an appointment. FBC offers the following assistance to those coping with grief:

Grief Counseling

FBC is staffed by three licensed clinical social workers who provide the following services:

·         Individual counseling sessions

·         Family counseling, including school-aged children

·         Bi-weekly group counseling

(Survivors must meet individually with a therapist prior to participating in the support group.)

Victim Assistance

FBC clients are provided with a Victim Advocate who will provide the following:

·         Court support

·         Court escort to legal proceedings

·         Assistance to survivors applying to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board for compensation in the aftermath of criminal victimization

·         Case information and custody status of the defendant, including Crime Victim Notification Request and Demand for Rights Form and Victims Information and Notification Everyday (VINE)

Family Bereavement Newsletter

FBC publishes a quarterly newsletter to keep homicide survivors informed of support groups, events, and services provided by the BCSAO and community partners.  The FBC also honors those lost to homicide in Baltimore City and offers clinical recommendations and advice to assist those coping with grief.

For more information related to our Family Bereavement Center, please contract Bereavement Director & Therapist, Kim Holmes, at 443-984-6244 or kholmes@stattorney.org.