For Bereaved Families
The SUDC Foundation knows that a sudden death of a child profoundly affects every part of the family.
Click on any of the resources below for additional information curated to support you after child loss.
A complimentary grief support and coaching program, led by mental health professionals, that aims to offer specialized support and coaching to help you navigate the profound impact of sudden and unexplained loss.
The Peer Friend Connection Program was designed knowing that family members who have experienced and coped with their own grief are extremely helpful in supporting newly-bereaved families. Peer Connection Volunteer Ambassadors are NOT a substitute for professional counseling, but they can provide additional support through common life experience.
A supportive space to learn coping tools, connect with others, and feel understood as you navigate life after loss. A free, interactive, and experiential 6-week workshop is designed to offer participants a safe and supportive environment to connect, share, and learn effective coping skills.
The SUDC Foundation is dedicated to supporting families, medical examiners, and coroners who are actively investigating SUDC cases by removing barriers to access postmortem genetic testing, ensuring both professionals and affected families have the support and resources needed for a thorough and comprehensive investigation.
General Questions About SUDC help families, professionals, and the broader community better understand Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood and the support available afterward. These FAQs address what SUDC is, why it remains largely unknown, and how it differs from other sudden death classifications such as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexplained Infant Death (SUID).
The SUDC Foundation has a wealth of resources available at sudc.org, including downloadable fact sheets, newsletters, registration for our monthly e-news and easy access to social media platforms that provide current and accurate information on Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood.
Medical Care after SUDC focuses on supporting families and healthcare providers with clear, evidence-based guidance following the sudden unexplained death of a child. Care includes medical and bereavement considerations for surviving family members, with attention to both emotional well-being and physical health.
Participating in a research study following the sudden and unexplained death of a child is a deeply personal decision. For many families affected by SUDC (Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood), contributing to research can be a meaningful way to honor their child while helping advance understanding for others.
This FAQ is designed to help parents or guardians understand what’s involved, what to expect, and what questions to ask when considering research participation.
The Foundation supports more than 2,200 families across 26 countries, ensuring that no family has to navigate grief alone.
Support services are thoughtfully tailored to meet families where they are in their grief journey and are provided at no cost. Care extends beyond parents to include siblings and grandparents, recognizing that child loss impacts the entire family system.
The SUDC Foundation Advocates for the SUDC Community it Serves!
We are leading efforts to ensure comprehensive and standardized death investigations, advocates for fair treatment of and appropriate medical care for families, and thorough data collection to improve our understanding of SUDC!
A collection of emotional and educational videos, speaker series, podcasts, past and upcoming webinars, and more.
The Ambassador Program was created to empower SUDC advocates to promote awareness of SUDC and support the mission of the SUDC Foundation.
We currently offer this for adults and teens.
The SUDC Foundation strives to provide the support and resources necessary for those who have lost a child to sudden unexpected death. We can provide bereavement support through our clinical social worker and assist families with navigating the investigation while maintaining realistic expectations. To utilize our services, please contact us using this form and a staff member will follow up promptly.
Make a powerful impact on the mission of the SUDC Foundation with a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Fundraiser, participating in the Combined Federal Campaign, Donating throughout the year, Create an apparel fundraiser, become an ambassador, Participate or Attend a local SUDC event near you and so much more.