Parental loss during childhood or adolescence is a life-altering experience that can have lasting effects on a young person's holistic well-being—affecting mental, physical, social, and spiritual health. While international research recognizes orphaned youth as a vulnerable population, little is known about their specific support needs in the Canadian context, particularly within educational settings.

This study is part of the Making Orphans Visible in Canada project, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. In 2025, a cross-sectional survey was conducted with 750 young people aged 14 to 25, including orphans, youth with separated parents, and youth from intact families. The research aimed to identify differences in well-being among these groups and to explore the role of various support systems—especially those accessible in schools and communities—following parental bereavement.

Using an ecosystemic developmental framework, the study analyzed how different types of support (emotional, social, academic, and spiritual) influenced health outcomes. Findings reveal that orphaned youth report significantly lower levels of mental and overall well-being compared to their peers. However, access to key protective resources—such as a trusted adult in school, mental health support, and spaces to process emotional and spiritual experiences—was associated with improved outcomes and greater resilience.

These results have important implications for inclusive education. Schools can play a pivotal role in identifying bereaved students early, fostering a supportive environment, and collaborating with families and external professionals to provide holistic care. By making this invisible form of vulnerability visible, the study offers evidence to guide educational policies and interventions that promote student well-being and equitable support for all learners.

Keywords: Parental loss, orphaned youth, inclusive education, student well-being, psychosocial support, resilience, holistic health, grief in adolescence, educational equity, supportive school environments.