Ireland’s first guide for adults supporting children bereaved by homicide launched

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has launched Ireland’s first dedicated guide for adults supporting children who have lost a parent to homicide.

Healing After Homicide booklet

The booklet, titled Healing After Homicide – Caring for Young Children and Adolescents, was developed by AdVIC, an advocacy and support group for families of homicide victims. It provides age‑appropriate advice for talking to children, covering age bands 3‑5, 6‑8, 9‑12 and 13‑18.

Jason Poole, a board member of AdVIC and brother of Jennifer Poole, who was murdered in April 2021 in Finglas, said the guide is a “massive step forward” for families and schools. He highlighted the challenges families face, from Garda investigations and court appearances to everyday decisions such as birthdays and school events.

Jennifer’s murder, for which Gavin Murphy pleaded guilty and received a life sentence in April 2022, left her children aged six and three at the time. The guide also advises adults on managing children’s exposure to online information about the crime.

Poole’s advocacy contributed to the introduction of “Jenny’s Law”, enacted earlier this year, which places convicted domestic‑violence offenders on a public register.

Source: Irish Examiner. Photo: cottonbro studio / Pexels.