The Dougy Center Model: Peer Grief Support for Children, Teens, & Families

In 1968, Dougy Turno was born in Aiken, South Carolina. In his brief 13 years of life, he would inspire a new model of care, The Dougy Center Model, which would serve thousands of children, teens, young adults, and parents throughout the world. Diagnosed and living with an advanced serious illness, Dougy’s bravery and compassion for children and teens who were also living with advanced serious illnesses initiated the first peer grief support program for children and their families grieving a death. Dougy Center, respectfully and affectionately named after Dougy Turno, offered its first group in 1982 to 4 children at our founder’s home. Since that first group on December 29, 1982, to the present day, we have used The Dougy Center Model to provide support in a safe place for thousands of children, teens, young adults, and their families who are grieving. This book explains our history and the theoretical framework of the model that has been used to build and grow more than 500 programs throughout North America and into other continents as well. 

Please note that this book is not intended as an instruction manual or “how to” on starting or running a program based on Dougy Center’s model. Instruction on how to start and facilitate peer grief support groups using The Dougy Center Model is offered through our annual International Summer Institute and other customized facilitator trainings. Find more about Dougy Center's trainings here.