We, the undersigned bereaved parents and members of the PSI loss community, are writing to formally express our deep concerns regarding the treatment of grieving parents within PSI’s support spaces. Specifically, we are calling for an immediate review of PSI’s group policies, facilitation practices, and disciplinary actions, which we believe have caused unnecessary harm to the very individuals these services are meant to support.

Primary Concerns:

1. Unjust Removal of a Bereaved Parent Without Due Process

• A valued member of our community was abruptly removed from PSI support groups and Sharewell without warning, clear explanation, or opportunity to address concerns.

• Despite multiple requests, PSI has refused to provide written evidence of any policy violations that justified this action.

• This decision has set a dangerous precedent, causing fear among other loss parents who now worry that they, too, could be excluded without due process.

• The complete lack of any repair conversation or accountability process retraumatizes parents who are already coping with the unimaginable trauma of losing a child. To be cast out without dialogue or a chance to return to support, especially when there was no unsafe or violent behavior, is harmful and wrong.

2. Harmful and Inappropriate Implementation of the Four-Minute Rule

• The rigid enforcement of the four-minute speaking limit in loss groups has silenced and retraumatized grieving parents.

• We understand this rule was originally created for perinatal and postpartum groups. Applying it to loss groups fails to recognize the depth of grief processing required in these spaces.

• Facilitators have cut off parents mid-share, disrupting emotional processing and making them feel unsafe.

3. Inconsistent and Harmful Facilitation Practices

• Several facilitators have demonstrated inconsistent and dismissive behaviors, interrupting some members while allowing others to exceed time limits.

• Some grieving parents have been singled out, dismissed, or met with defensiveness when raising concerns.

• The handling of difficult moments has at times escalated distress rather than de-escalating it, leading to unnecessary emotional harm.

• Additionally, PSI representatives have assured individuals they would be connected with further support or resources, but in some cases, that follow-up either never occurred or was abruptly discontinued. Making such promises and then not fulfilling them creates false hope and deepens distrust.

4. Lack of Transparency, Accountability, and Communication from PSI Leadership

• PSI has failed to provide clear communication regarding rule changes, complaint resolution, or removal decisions.

• Bereaved parents who have raised concerns have been met with avoidance, silence, or vague responses rather than direct engagement.

• The existing feedback form, while available after group sessions, is anonymous and insufficient. Multiple members have submitted feedback and formal complaints through this form, only to see no meaningful changes or receive no response.

• In one instance, PSI claimed an investigation was “exhausted” without contacting key individuals who were central to the situation, despite stating in writing that those individuals would be included.

• Without a public, transparent grievance process and accountability regarding how complaints are investigated and resolved, this system lacks integrity and retraumatizes the very people it should support.

5. Lack of follow up and follow through regarding services to loss parent

• On multiple occasions loss parents have sought out additional resources from PSI and have been met with no follow up.

Our Requests for Immediate Action:

1. A Transparent Review of the Removal Decision

• Provide a written, evidence-based explanation of the alleged community agreement violations that led to the removal.

• Establish a clear appeals process for any future disciplinary actions, with opportunities for repair when appropriate.

2. A Reassessment of the Four-Minute Rule in Loss Groups

• Conduct a review with input from grief specialists, facilitators, and loss parents to determine whether this rule is appropriate.

• If a time limit is necessary, adjust it to allow flexibility and facilitator discretion in smaller groups.

3. Facilitator Training and Accountability Measures

• Implement trauma-informed training for all facilitators on how to manage grief discussions without causing harm.

• Establish a reporting and feedback process that allows participants to safely voice concerns about facilitators without fear of retaliation.

• Ensure that all complaints or grievances involving facilitators are reviewed transparently, with documentation of investigative steps.

4. Improved Transparency and Communication with Participants

• Ensure that all policy changes, complaints, and disciplinary actions are handled with clear communication and fairness.

• Publish and widely distribute the grievance and feedback procedures, including who is responsible for receiving and reviewing complaints.

• Make it clear how identified individuals can submit concerns (beyond the anonymous form) and receive follow-up.

5. Loss Parents Advisory Team

• Create an advisory team made of loss parents to assist in the creation of safer rules and evaluations of peer behavior. We know us better than even the facilitators do because we interact more than once a day verses a few interactions a week. We should be governing ourselves

We believe PSI has the potential to be a truly supportive space for grieving parents, but the current practices are causing unnecessary harm. We ask that the Advisory Council and Board of Directors take these concerns seriously and work with us to implement changes that prioritize the well-being of loss parents.

We appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to meaningful action.