NCJ Number
123090
Journal
Corrections Today Volume: 51 Issue: 5 Dated: (August 1989) Pages: 218,219,226-227
Date Published
1989
Length
4 pages
Annotation
All juvenile institutions should have suicide prevention plans or programs that consist of identification, training, supervision and housing, and referral to mental health services.
Abstract
Intake interviews should cover both medical and mental health matters and assist facility staff in identifying potential suicides. All arresting officers and facility staff who interact with juveniles should be trained in the signs of potential suicide and when to be particularly vigilant for suicide attempts in individual cases. Any youth identified as a potential suicide should be kept under constant observation. Rooms should be so designed and equipped that hanging, a favorite suicide method of inmates, is not possible. Personal communication initiated by trained child care workers is vital in suicide prevention. Whenever a youth shows suicidal symptoms, the youth should be referred to mental health services for assessment and disposition. Pending such referral, constant observation must be maintained. Even though a youth appears to improve after mental health services have been provided, staff should remain vigilant. Staff attitudes and practices that deter suicides are listed.