When Your Child Has Died Abroad

UK Helpline: 0345 123 2304 | www.tcf.org.uk 3 When Your Child has Died Abroad The death of our child is probably the most painful event that can occur in any parent’s life. The terrible shock of hearing the dreadful news of our child dying overseas brings confusion, emotional agony and a sense of powerlessness. Our trauma is great and we need time to grasp the reality of what has taken place. Yet when our child dies in another country, it is necessary to make immediate decisions and act quickly. We must confront a range of practical issues, often involving unfamiliar legal systems, language and local customs. Those of us here at The Compassionate Friends (TCF) hope that the following might make it a little easier to manage the daunting tasks you face. Contacting the FCDO If you are a British national and need assistance it is recommended that you contact the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) in London as soon as possible on (+44) 020 7008 5000. This number operates 24/7, every day of the year. You will be appointed a case worker in London (if your child died outside Europe) or at the nearest Consulate (if your child died within Europe) who can offer you support in local procedures and working with the local authorities. (This applies whether or not you are overseas. More on what the FCDO can do is explained on page 11.) Please also visit: gov.uk/government/publications/coping-with-death-abroad This government website provides detailed information on the legal and practical aspects of death abroad, with a step-by-step guide of what must be done. It includes general as well as country-specific information.