What should a CACO prioritize when meeting with a grieving family?

When meeting with a grieving family, a CACO should prioritize listening to the family's feelings and concerns. This approach is fundamental because the family is experiencing profound grief, and providing them with an opportunity to express their emotions can be immensely therapeutic. It helps establish trust and shows empathy, allowing the CACO to connect with the family on a human level, which is vital during such a sensitive time.

Listening not only demonstrates compassion but also allows the CACO to better understand the family's specific needs and how to support them effectively. Understanding their emotional state can guide the CACO in addressing concerns and providing the appropriate information or resources, which is crucial for the family's healing process.

While educating the family about benefits, managing reports, or facilitating media interactions are also essential tasks in the overall support process, these should follow after ensuring that the family feels heard and understood. Prioritizing active listening creates a strong foundation that can facilitate further communication and support.