A small exploratory study was conducted to identify the psychosocial needs of children facing the death and subsequent bereavement of a parent from cancer. The focus was on the palliative phase of care through the bereavement period with the aim of identifying the best way forward in further developing a community-based service for children in Fife. Part one selectively reviewed the literature related to children's and families' needs when facing and dealing with the death of a parent, and described. Part two presents the results and reports the issues which will be considered as a basis for future service development.