The Family Bereavement Center

Supporting families after loss

The Family Bereavement Center (FBC) serves as the only Bereavement center attached to a State's Attorney's office in the state of Maryland, with a full-time staff dedicated to serving survivors of homicide. Since opening its doors in March of 1990, the Center has provided individual counseling and support services to well over 10,000 individuals who have lost a loved one as a result of a crime.

Losing a loved one is the most distressing and emotional experience in one's life. The Center is here to assist those who have lost loved ones with their grief journey.

Services Available

Some of the services offered by the Family Bereavement Center include:

Outreach Letters

Sending outreach letters to grieving loved ones, inviting them to call us

Individual Sessions

Individual sessions are offered both in-person and virtual

Comfortable & Private Spaces

Individual sessions are provided in a comfortable, private office

Parking Validation

Parking voucher and limited transportation requests for in-person appointments

Impact Statement Assistance

FBC can assist with writing impact statements for those who need/request assistance

Licensed Professionals

FBC therapy services are provided by trauma-informed and licensed professionals

Referrals

FBC can assist with referrals to other agencies designed to help those who have lost loved ones as a result of a crime.

Grief Counseling

The Family Bereavement Center is staffed by licensed clinical social workers who provide the following services:

Individual Counseling Sessions

Family Counseling Sessions

Helpful Steps to Begin Your Healing Journey

Take Care of Yourself

Get enough rest, eat balanced meals, exercise and avoid misusing alcohol and medications (including prescribed medications).

Reach Out to Your Faith Community

If you are spiritual and believe in a higher power, reaching out to your faith community for support may bring relief.

Stick to Your Treatment Plan

Attend therapy sessions and follow through on recommendations made by your therapist.

Be Patient With Yourself

You are on a journey to healing. Take each day moment by moment and be patient with yourself.

Practice Stress Management

Learn to deal with stress in a healthy manner. Unmanaged stress can lead to unhealthy thoughts and practices. Plan ahead for special holidays. Do not feel obligated to celebrate as you did prior to your loved one's death. Find new ways to acknowledge the dates that bring you comfort.