How it works
Grief Behind the Gavel™: Adults Edition is a 6–8 week trauma-informed grief healing program designed for adults actively navigating the criminal legal system. This includes individuals who are pre-trial, detained, on probation, participating in alternative-to-incarceration programs, or otherwise involved in court processes.
The curriculum recognizes that system involvement creates immediate and ongoing grief, including loss of freedom, stability, identity, family connection, safety, autonomy, and future certainty. These losses are happening in real time, often without space to be named, processed, or supported.
Grounded in culturally affirming grief education, restorative justice values, and emotional regulation practices, each session provides a safe, structured space for participants to explore grief, build coping tools, and strengthen emotional awareness while their cases are still active. The program supports emotional expression alongside accountability, honoring participants’ dignity and humanity throughout the process.
Building strong partnerships for better care
How we support you through grief
Name the grief
We help you identify and understand the grief you are carrying, including losses beyond death.
Create safety
We focus on grounding and emotional regulation so you can feel steady without being rushed.
Build awareness
We support awareness of how grief shows up in your body, emotions, and relationships.
Honor dignity
We create space where your experiences are taken seriously and met without judgment.
Support integration
We help you integrate grief into your life without letting it define who you are and what you can do.
Move forward
We support intentional next steps forward rooted in clarity, accountability, and self-trust.
You don’t have to carry this alone
We’re here to support you in naming your grief, finding steadiness, and moving forward at your own pace.
