Developing a Suicide Intervention Program in Your School (From Adolescent Suicide, P 155-158, 1988, Robert W. Cole, Jr., ed. -- See NCJ-117025)

• NCJ Number: 117033
• Author(s): R J Konet
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 4 pages
• Sale Source: Phi Delta Kappa
• Publication Type: Program/Project Description
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: Reprinted from NASSP Bulletin, V 70, no. 487, February 1986.

Annotation

The Crisis Management Team at Westfield, N.J., High School uses a 12-step process to combat adolescent suicide, with student referrals and student representation on the team as crucial components of the process.

Abstract

The first steps were for each potential volunteer to consider their personal commitment, to analyze their daily schedules, and to reflect on their personalities and character to determine if their time permitted involvement on the suicide prevention team. Further steps included reviewing literature on adolescent depression and suicide, conducting a needs assessment of the student population, developing a dialogue with peers, seeking model programs, planning and designing a training program, and considering local resources. Additional steps were to develop extensive contacts with parents and community members, to develop an organizational flow chart with proper administrative support, and planning of information programs for staff and students. Lists of the team members and their times of availability are posted in the building. Referrals come from parents, students, friends concerned about other students, teachers, team members, and anonymous sources. The student representatives on the team have publicized the program and are giving insights on how the student body in general is behaving from week to week throughout the school year.