What can I do to help an adolescent who is grieving?

Follow the ABCDE guide.

A - Avoid overburdening them with responsibility but include them in the changes taking place.
B - Be there for them, even if they try and brush you off. The car can be a good place to have a "spontaneous chat."
C - Contact. The school and let them know. They have structures to help. Contact other services if you're worried they don't seem to resolve their grief.
D - Don't offer advice. On how they should grieve. Don't get offended at their behaviour to you. Don't assume they are over the loss.
E - Encourage. Them to express their thoughts,feelings, memories of the person gone. Encourage them to create their own way of saying goodbye if they wish eg. by writing a letter, composing a song/poem.

Rainbows offers a programme called Spectrum at post-primary level to help adolescents in their grieving.