Our Mission
The National Center for Unexpected Infant & Child Death is dedicated to ensuring that all professionals responding to the death of a child are equipped with the training, compassion, and knowledge needed to support families with dignity and care.
We believe that the way professionals engage with grieving families during their most vulnerable moments profoundly shapes the healing journey that follows. In the wake of these tragedies, we also provide guidance and support to help professionals process their own experiences and continue their vital work.
Our Team
Shari Krauss, MA, MPH, and Alexander Friedman, MPH bring decades of specialized experience supporting families coping with the devastating, unexpected loss of a child. They operate the Massachusetts Center for Unexpected Infant & Child Death, a statewide organization funded by the Department of Public Health to provide comprehensive, tailored support to grieving families. As mandated members of all Massachusetts local and state Child Fatality Review Teams, they collaborate with dozens of state entities to identify preventable causes of child deaths and develop strategies to reduce future fatalities.
Together, Shari and Alex have trained thousands of professionals nationwide, spanning child welfare agencies, public health departments, law enforcement, healthcare systems, and beyond. Their training emphasizes compassion, clarity, and trauma-informed approaches, equipping professionals with the tools they need to respond with sensitivity and confidence.
With deep roots in developmental and behavioral pediatrics, Shari and Alex provide comprehensive, meaningful guidance on a wide spectrum of topics related to child fatality. Their expertise ensures that both families and professionals receive the thoughtful, expert support they deserve.
Testimonials
“Shari and Alex, you both have such lovely ways about you, I so enjoy being in your presence.”
“Your efforts to spread the word over the years has been amazing.”
Internship Program
The internship program at the National Center for Unexpected Infant and Child Death provides undergraduate and graduate level students the opportunity to participate in supporting families and Center activities. Each academic year, several interns and volunteers come on board to assist the NCUICD by taking on special projects and supporting the day-to-day operations of the program. If you would like to learn more about the internship program and ongoing intern/volunteer projects, or to apply for an internship, please contact us at admin@ncuicd.org.