Rainbows is a program of peer support for children grieving for any reason--the loss of a family member, death, divorce, imprisonment, etc. It is also the largest program for grief support, with more than 8,000 sites, world wide.

Statistics show that grieving children often develop at-risk behaviors in their teens that bring them in conflict with the law. Early intervention through a program such as Rainbows can prevent teen problems before they develop. Rainbows is in great demand during times of disaster, as well as when families experience a loss.

The Program
What is Rainbows? It is a program where children, in groups of 3-5, usually grouped by age level, get together with a caring, listening adult, to talk, play games, and process their feelings. Rainbows materials tell facilitators what to do and say to get each session started and, after the children get into the discussion, how to keep them focused.

Facilitators attend a one-day training session and commit to being available for kids for 13 weeks once the program begins. Kids like Rainbows; when they talk with their peers about what is going on in their families, they discover that others go through the same grieving process and understand where they are coming from. They also appreciate the Rainbows' commitment to keeping their confidence. Besides, there's no stigma attached to attending Rainbows because the name does not give away its purpose and therefore attaches no stigma. Hurting children appreciate this fact more than adults may realize.

"I can't think of a better way to reach out to children in our neighborhoods," Children's Ministries consultant Jackie Bishop says of Rainbows. Jackie, a Rainbows Registered Director, promotes Rainbows for the North American Division; she has trained
site coordinators and facilitators.

Rainbows is a great community outreach program that allows caring facilitators make friends with community families. Studies show that while the public at large distrusts organized religion, parents still trust churches for children's programs and classes. And while Rainbows has a mildly religious version that would be used in our churches, this widely recognized and respected program has proven effective for all.

Grateful Family
Rona Smith, coordinator for the Community Praise Center Rainbows site, in Alexandria, Virginia, tells of a child coming to their Winter 2006 Rainbows program. "Every time I see the child's uncle, he thanks me for letting the family know about Rainbows. His niece regained her happy disposition very quickly after joining Rainbows." Not every family reports such dramatic results from Rainbows intervention, but all acknowledge the program's usefulness.

Peer Support versus Counseling
Rainbows does not claim to offer counseling. On the other hand they do maintain that peer support can have a positive impact on grieving children. Facilitators are trained to recommend counseling for children with severe problems. And research supports the effectiveness of peer support as an intervention strategy for many.