Following the tragic death of her son, Martin, thirty years ago, Carolyn Harris MP has passionately and tirelessly led a cross-party parliamentary campaign to help bereaved parents meet the cost of a funeral for their child. The outgoing Prime Minister, Theresa May, committed to establishing a Children’s Funeral Fund for England (CFF), in recognition of the fact that bereaved parents should not have to worry about meeting the cost of burying or cremating their child. The fund was launched this year, on 23rd July.
‘After nearly 3 years of campaigning, the government is finally delivering a Children’s Funeral Fund to prevent bereaved parents going through what I had to. Thank you to everyone who helped us get this far.’ Carolyn Harris MP
The purpose of the CFF is to ensure that the fees charged for the cremation or burial for children below age 18 (including post-24-week stillbirths) will be free to parents at the point of need, regardless of means.
In addition to paying for burial or cremation fees, the CFF will also cover specified associated expenses such as cremation certification, and will provide a capped amount (up to £300) towards the price of a coffin, shroud or casket. Funeral directors will be able to claim reimbursement from the CFF in order to provide to families directly and for free at the point of need.
In circumstances where families choose not to use the services of a funeral director, the CFF are making provision for bereaved families to claim reimbursement for associated expenses directly from the fund.
In her role as Director of Training for Child Bereavement UK, Paula was invited to be part of the faculty to train the MoJ Case Workers and Call Handlers.
‘The trainer was professional and engaging and displayed a sensitivity to the subject, which was appropriate. You have given me the confidence to provide an exceptional service’ Contact Handler
‘This workshop has helped me to think about how to communicate with parents respectfully and kindly’ Case worker
Further information about the Children’ Funeral Fund:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bereaved-parents-spared-children-s-burial-and-cremation-costs