Which of the following is a common practice regarding the personal effects of the deceased?

Returning personal effects to family members at the end of services is a common practice as it helps families in the grieving process by allowing them to retain sentimental items belonging to their loved ones. This act facilitates a sense of closure and connection, enabling the family to preserve memories tied to those belongings. It is considered an important aspect of the funeral process, as these items often hold significant emotional value for the bereaved.

In contrast, giving personal effects to funeral home staff is not typical practice because the belongings are generally intended to be returned to the family. Destroying items for sanitation purposes is typically not a standard procedure, as families should have the opportunity to keep or dispose of their loved one's possessions as they see fit. While valuating items for insurance might be necessary in some contexts, it is not a common practice regarding the immediate handling of personal effects during or after the funeral services.