Frequently Asked Questions

Each meeting is run by an FSP board member who is a parent who lost a child due to miscarriage, still birth or infant death. The meeting host starts off by sharing some simple rules about privacy so that everyone is comfortable sharing if they choose to do so. The basic format is to introduce ourselves and share as much or as little about our child’s story as we wish. Afterwards, we open the discussion up to whatever questions or struggles parents may have, share thoughts and feelings and provide a safe place to discuss our losses with other parents who get it.

No reservations are needed. Simply show up.

No, there is never a charge.

No. No one is required to talk at any meeting. We ask that you be respectful and listen to others when they are talking, but you only share if and when you are ready to. We understand that it is often difficult to speak about our loss when the grief is so raw.

Our members have come to meetings anywhere from the first few weeks following loss to several years later. Everyone grieves differently and is ready on their own timetable. It is a personal decision for each parent to decide. You may come to a meeting and listen and determine if it’s the right time for you.

You may come alone or with your spouse. We encourage both parents to attend, but there is always a mix of attendees.

Yes, adult support persons are always welcome. We only ask that they respect the privacy of the group so that our members may share freely and feel safe about doing so.

Due to the content of what is shared, small children may not understand or be equipped to handle the meeting. We also want all members to be able to speak freely at our meetings. We kindly ask that only adults attend.

Yes. Many men attend the meetings. There is often an equal balance of men and women. Fathers grieve too and we encourage them to attend.

FSP has no religious affiliation, but like many support groups, we rely on the hospitality of local churches to allow us to host our monthly meetings. All are welcome regardless of religious affiliation.

Absolutely. We all grieve differently. There are many reasons why grief may be delayed. Whatever your situation, you are welcome to attend whenever you are ready, months or years later.

Yes. While most of our parents have experienced the loss of an infant, you are welcome to attend as long as you feel comfortable.

If you would feel more comfortable with other parents who have experienced the loss of an older child, please visit compassionatefriends.org to find a local chapter of The Compassionate Friends support group.

Everyone is different, but many parents attend meetings until they are able to better cope with their loss. Many people find the first year very helpful to get through some of the ‘firsts’ that you experience after loss. Some attend just a few meetings while others come for years because it allows them to still remember and speak about their child. Some may even stay on and join the Board to help others through the grieving process of losing a child.

FSP is run completely by volunteers and always welcomes donations to cover costs such as location fees and costs associated with The Annual Service of Remembrance. You are welcome to donate at any meeting or through our website. Donations are always appreciated, but never expected!