NCJ Number
207053
Journal
Jail Suicide/Mental Health Update Volume: 13 Issue: 2 Dated: Fall 2004 Pages: 1-16
Date Published
2004
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This report summarizes findings from the first national survey on juvenile suicide in confinement, with attention to the extent and distribution of such suicides as well as associated circumstances.
Abstract
In phase 1 of the survey, a questionnaire was sent to directors of 1,178 public and 2,634 private juvenile facilities in the United States to determine whether their facilities experienced a juvenile suicide between 1995 and 1999. This phase identified 110 juvenile suicides over this period, distributed among 38 States. In phase 2 of the survey, initiated in August 2000, a seven-page questionnaire was sent to the directors of facilities that experienced juvenile suicides in order to collect data on the demographic characteristics of the victims, incident characteristics, and facility characteristics. Data were obtained on 79 of the 110 suicides. In phase 3, the project staff analyzed data on the 79 juvenile suicides. The findings indicate that although the facilities had a high rate of compliance with individual suicide prevention components, few of the facilities that had juvenile suicides had all of the components of a comprehensive suicide prevention program in place. Consistent with national correctional standards and practices, all juvenile facilities should have a detailed written suicide prevention policy that encompasses training, identification/screening, communication, housing, levels of supervision, intervention, reporting, and mortality review. Only one-third of the facilities that experienced a suicide provided annual training, and very few of the facilities provided a full day of training. There were also significant deficiencies in screening and the provision of mental health services for juveniles with histories of mental illness. Data limitations and future research are discussed. 6 tables and 7 notes