Evaluating Bereavement Response Plans in Daycare: A Comparative Analysis of Support Systems in Denmark and Norway

This study examines the implementation and use of bereavement response plans (bereavement plans) in Danish and Norwegian daycare institutions. Two large-scale surveys were conducted to explore the implementation rates, satisfaction levels, and source of the plans. The data collected was analyzed using frequency analyses and Chi-square tests of independence. The findings suggest that 87% of Danish institutions have bereavement plans compared to 98% in Norway. Furthermore, the study highlights the differences in the development of bereavement plans between the two countries, as Danish institutions trust their individually tailored plans more than their Norwegian counterparts, while the Norwegian plans seem to be of higher quality. Despite these differences, bereavement plans provide a sense of safety for staff when supporting bereaved children in both countries. This study contributes to the ongoing efforts to improve bereavement support in daycare institutions and emphasizes the importance of continued research and development in this area.