NCJ Number
180818
Journal
Juvenile Suicide/Mental Health Update Volume: 9 Issue: 1 Dated: Summer 1999 Pages: 1-12
Date Published
1999
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article examines the prevalence of juvenile suicide in custody, the factors involved, and what has been done and should be done to address this critical problem.
Abstract
Although there is no current national data on the incidence of youth suicide while in custody, there is information available to suggest a high prevalence of suicidal behavior in juvenile correctional facilities. The research on juvenile suicide in custody suggests that confined youth may be more vulnerable to suicidal behavior based on current and/or prior suicidal ideation. Studies have found that incarcerated youth with either major affective disorders or borderline personality disorders had a higher degree of suicidal ideation and suicide attempts than adolescents in the general population. Research has also found that a high percentage of detained youth reported a prior history of suicide attempts, current and active suicidal behavior, and prior history of psychiatric hospitalization. A number of juvenile correctional facilities have adopted suicide prevention policies that have effectively reduced resident suicides. Such policies are typically based on the following principles: screening; psychological support; close observation; removal of dangerous items; clear and consistent procedures; and diagnosis, treatment, and transfer of suicidal inmates to the hospital as necessary. This article describes the following components of a suicide prevention program: staff training, intake screening/assessment, communication, housing, levels of supervision, intervention, reporting, and follow-up/mortality review. The case history of suicide contagion in a juvenile correctional facility is presented, and current plans for a national survey of juvenile suicide in confinement are briefly described. 1 table and 44 references