Program Goals

The goals of Apart of Me are:

For Young People:

• Alleviate feelings of loneliness and isolation caused by grief.
• Foster feelings of self- and other-directed compassion.
• Strengthen emotional resilience and equip users with effective coping skills.
• Learn how to co-design the platform and amplify their voices in shaping the tools they use.

For Caregivers/Families:

• Learn how to use a structured tool to support grieving youth.
• Facilitate conversations and activities that promote healing.
• Learn about the grieving process and the importance of digital support tools.

Logic Model

View the Logic Model for Apart of Me.

Essential Components

The essential components of Apart of Me include:

• Free of Charge: App is available free of charge for both Android and iOS devices.
• Game-Based Grief Support: Interactive, therapeutic digital games designed to help youth process grief through play.
• Peer Support Network: A digital community designed to connect grieving young people, allowing them to share experiences and support each other emotionally.
• Co-Design with Young People: Young users are directly involved in the program's development, allowing it to address their unique needs and preferences.
• Interactive Tools for Emotional Expression: Features such as journaling, art creation, and virtual memorials are available so that users can express grief in creative ways.
• Parental and Caregiver Support: Resources guide families in understanding grief and engaging with their children in healing activities.
• Online Accessibility: The program is delivered virtually, ensuring access for youth regardless of location.
• Ongoing Updates and Development: The platform evolves based on user feedback and research, to help keep it relevant.
• Self-directed app experience

Program Delivery

Child/Adolescent Services

Apart of Me directly provides services to children/adolescents and addresses the following:

• Grief and loss following the death of a loved one, as expressed through feelings of loneliness, emotional distress, and mental health struggles related to bereavement

Parent/Caregiver Services

Apart of Me directly provides services to parents/caregivers and addresses the following:

• Parent or caregiver of a young person who is grieving

Services Involve Family/Support Structures:

This program involves the family or other support systems in the individual's treatment: Caregivers and family members are encouraged to engage with the platform through shared activities and support resources that help them understand and support the youth’s grief journey.

Recommended Intensity:

1-2 sessions of 20 minutes per week, adaptable to user needs

Recommended Duration:

2 months, with the option for extended engagement

Delivery Setting

This program is typically conducted in a(n):

• Virtual (Online, Telephone, Video, Zoom, etc.)

Homework

This program does not include a homework component.

Languages

Apart of Me has materials available in languages other than English:

German, Italian, Spanish

For information on which materials are available in these languages, please check on the program's website or contact the program representative (contact information is listed at the bottom of this page).

Resources Needed to Run Program

The typical resources for implementing the program are:

The program is delivered virtually via the client’s own smartphone (both iOS and Android). If a center-based delivery is planned, resources of technology (mobile devices and reliable internet access) and personnel (tech support & perhaps grief facilitators) will be necessary.

Manuals and Training

Prerequisite/Minimum Provider Qualifications

No particular training is required since all information will be delivered in-app.

Manual Information

There is not a manual that describes how to deliver this program.

Training Information

There is not training available for this program.

Relevant Published, Peer-Reviewed Research

Currently, there are no published, peer-reviewed research studies for Apart of Me.

Additional References