Via the police or local contacts, doctors, social workers, friends or work colleagues. Is the Bereavement Service's officer obliged to notify the family members or next of kin if they are not already aware of the death? What procedure does the council follow in order to notify family members of the death?
If family members or next of kin have not been located, does Lambeth Council place a public or legal notice?
Previous Next. Properly handling a death notification can aid in the grieving process. The time spent and the words used will often remain with the survivors for the rest of their lives. Completing an effective death notification requires some planning and preparation. Death notifications should be done as soon as possible after the event. The first step in the process is gathering and verifying information. How was the decedent identified?
The best methods include identification by fingerprints, DNA, and dental records. Less reliable methods include identification by a witness or by identifiers found on their person.
The family will often ask questions about identification. It is usually a denial reaction, but the officer needs to be certain the identification is conclusive. The next step is to gather as much information surrounding the loss of life as possible. The circumstances, the location, when, and how the incident occurred — all should be included. If it was the result of a criminal act, was an arrest made, or has a suspect been identified?
Determine the hospital holding the deceased and the procedures for the family to view their loved one. The final step is identifying the legal next of kin. This may seem straightforward, but it may not be. Who is the deceased's legal guardian? Who is the closest relative if the deceased is an adult? Once determined, locate the residence of those persons. If they are older, check any available records for indications of medical problems. A death notification to a person with a heart condition may become a medical emergency.
In these situations, it is wise to have an ambulance nearby to respond as needed. All death notifications should be delivered in person, by a two-person team. At least one of the two needs to be a police officer.
The first step will be picking the team. Hopefully, it isn't merely the first two officers who are clear of calls. The investigating officer is a good choice, as they will have the most facts about the case. If the investigating officer isn't available, then a superior officer would be an excellent second choice.
The officers selected must be able to deliver a compassionate, respectful, and dignified notification. In certain circumstances, a police officer may take a civilian with them as the second team member. If the surviving family is deeply religious, bringing their local pastor or a police Chaplain may work well.
Most hospitals have grief counselors available to provide comfort to the surviving family members. Occasionally, a close friend of a single survivor would be a good choice for the second team member.
They can provide support and remain with the survivor after the officer leaves. Each of the two persons making the notification will have pre-planned roles.
One police officer will do all of the talking, making the notification. It is easier for a person to follow the conversation when only one person speaks. The other officer or support person will watch for a reaction, which may indicate a medical emergency — such as a person going into shock. Police officers never deliver death notifications at a person's front door.
The first step is to make sure they are speaking to the correct person. Then ask permission to enter the survivor's home, conveying the message that they have something of importance to tell them. Using a uniformed officer will prevent confusion. The presence of someone they know, such as their pastor or close friend, can also help put them at ease and allow entry. If there are young children present, you should ask to speak with the survivors away from the children.
Once inside the home, try to lead the survivors to a comfortable area where they may be seated. The living room is a good choice. This simple statement partially prepares the survivors for what is to come. The next words must be spoken plainly with compassion, but without confusing terms. Using vague terms to describe death will only be confusing at a time when clarity is paramount. Phrases such as: "passed away", "didn't survive", or "didn't make it" should not be used.
In each example, the delivery is short, direct and to the point. Each uses the person's name and then immediately states that they died with a brief explanation of the circumstances. After the initial delivery, it may take several minutes for heartbreaking news to sink in. You may have to repeat the notification statement several times clarifying their loved one died. There is no right way to react to devastating news. If the information is outdated, our department utilizes every tool at its disposal to locate and notify family.
We would recommend everyone have at least two designated ICE contacts in their smartphones, so that these persons can be contacted in the event of an emergency. Amy, what this teacher is doing is completely illegal. This woman must be reported! She should be reported and compelled to stop. Send questions to askamy tribune.
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