NCJ Number
117046
Date Published
1988
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Communities and school districts should follow certain basic criteria in selecting consultants and formulating policy for the coordinated planning of comprehensive policies for reduction of adolescent suicide to prevent exploitation and detrimental advice from 'instant' experts.
Abstract
Many experts who rush to gain attention claim to have detailed knowledge through their own observations on the topic. However, hasty programs that promulgate misconceptions by experts can increase suicide rates. Communities can protect themselves from these people by avoiding rushing into the creation of new education programs, group counseling, or peer interventions without first becoming familiar with the research on suicide prevention and the many pitfalls of premature prevention programs. They should also not allow mass grief counseling following suicide unless it has a defined purpose and the means of evaluating the impact of group counseling. School authorities should not endorse programs promoting non-directive ventilation of grief. Schools and communities should also choose clinicians that have approved post-doctoral training and that have extensive experience in diagnosis and treatment with adolescents and their families. School systems should begin by developing clear statements of purpose and then follow through with policies and procedures that assign responsibility for coordination and communication among community resources. In addition, communities should promote comprehensive health education and supporting resources for 24-hour responses. Footnote.