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SUICIDE INTERVENTION PROCEDURES
The following suicide intervention procedures are designed to serve as a guide for
School Counselors, Social Workers, and School Psychologists when counseling a student
who may be suicidal. How, and by whom, the procedures are implemented depends upon
the availability of support staff in the school. Additional measures to assure the safety of
the student may be utilized if deemed appropriate by the school administrator. The
counselor, social worker, and/or psychologist may modify the procedures in emergency
situations if, in their professional judgment, modifications are necessary to ensure the
safety and welfare of the student or student body.
1. Any staff member who becomes aware that a student may be suicidal is to
immediately notify the school support services staff, or an Administrator, and
assure that the student is not left alone.
2. A School Counselor, School Social Worker, School Psychologist, or School
Administrator will see the student as soon as possible and continue to assure
constant supervision of the student.
3. If the student is violent or armed the School Administrator or School Resource
Officer must be notified. If they are unavailable, call 911.
4. The School Counselor, School Social Worker, School Psychologist or School
Administrator will attempt to conduct an interview. The interview is not to be
considered an evaluation or screening. The purpose of the interview is to provide
staff with information needed to determine how to best assure the safety of the
student. The student must be informed that appropriate actions must be taken
when individuals threaten to harm themselves or others; and; that it may be
necessary to breach confidentiality. The students may be willing to take the lead
in informing parents.
Based on the interview, one of the following procedures is initiated:
A. If the student’s responses indicate that he/she may not be at immediate risk;
1. Parents are notified of the concern. They should be advised of the need regarding
supervision and support for their child. Available resources should be made
available.
2. The building or grade level principal is notified.
B. If the student admits to being suicidal or his/her responses result in suspicions of
immediate risk, the following steps are suggested to assure the student’s safety.
1. The parents are notified immediately of the seriousness of the concern
and informed that the student will not be allowed to leave the school unless
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accompanied by a parent/guardian or another person for whom the parent permits
to pick –up the student, such as another relative or an emergency contact person.
It is advisable to document the parent’s permission to release the student to
another person.
2. The building or grade level principal is notified.
3. The student is not to be left alone and should remain with a support staff member
until a parent/guardian or identified emergency person takes charge of the student.
The parents will be advised to take the student to a professional licensed mental
health provider for an evaluation.
4. Before the student is discharged, school staff needs to advise the receiving person
of the need for continued supervision and support for the student.
5. An informational document (attached) may be reviewed with the parent. The form
is designed to provide resources and supportive directives that guide parents
through this crisis. Furthermore, the form advises parents of the schools concern
for their child and their responsibility to assure the safety of every student. The
form is then signed by the parent and the school official and serves as
documentation of the consultation and the parent’s acknowledgement of the
school’s concerns for their child’s suicidal threats. A copy needs to be kept by the
school administrator or support staff. Documentation needs to reveal if the parent
is resistant.
6. The student can safely return to school after being evaluated by a licensed
professional mental health provider. A Re-entry Plan may be needed prior to the
student’s return to his/her classes. The school support staff may collaborate with
the parents and the student to establish the plan. The school administrator should
be made aware of the student’s return and informed of the re-entry plan.
7. If the student is returned to school without evidence that an evaluation occurred,
the support staff member needs to immediately consult the administrator.
Supervision of the student needs to be reinstated until the parent/guardian picks
the student up. The Department of Social Services must be contacted if there is
reason to believe the student is still at risk of hurting himself or others and the
parent is refusing to take appropriate measures to assure his safety.
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PARENT INFORMATION FORM
Dear Parent/Guardian:
We are very concerned with the welfare and safety of your child. We have been
made aware that your child may be suicidal. All expressions of possible suicide are
taken seriously. To assure the safety of your child, we suggest the following:
1. Your child needs to be closely supervised, until seen by a licensed mental health
professional. Assure that your child does not have access to guns, weapons or
potentially lethal medications and alcohol. Do not leave your child alone.
2. Your child needs to be taken to a licensed mental health professional who will
complete an evaluation to help determine the severity or seriousness of our
concerns. They can advise you on what type of interventions might be needed.
They can explore with you the need for counseling and the type of counseling that
would be most beneficial. They will also address fees and appointments.
3. Your child will need support during this crisis. Your child may need reassurance
that you love them and you will help them get the care they need. Be patient and
try not to deny their concern. Try to remain calm but concerned. Show love, and
seek out the help your child may need with no strings attached. Take threats and
gestures seriously. Don’t tease, challenge or be sarcastic. Keep communication
open and nonjudgmental. Avoid saying anything demeaning or devaluing while
conveying empathy, warmth and respect. Be careful not to display anger toward
your child for bringing up this concern or show resentment because you had to
leave work or face other inconveniences in order to assure your child’s safety.
4. Depending upon the circumstances, failure to seek treatment for a child who is
suicidal may meet the legal definition of neglect and result in a mandated report to
the Department of Social Services.
5. We will need to develop a Re-Entry Plan with you when your child returns to
school. The day your child re-enters school and before he or she goes to classes, a
meeting needs to be held with you, your child, and a school support staff member.
Student’s Name:
Parent/Guardian Signature
Today’s Date:
School Support Staff Member’s Signature
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Dear Parents,
Thank you for your urgent response to the concerns we have shared with you today. Your
child needs to be taken to a licensed mental health professional that will complete an
evaluation and determine the severity or seriousness of your child’s distress. They can
explore with you the need for counseling and the type of counseling that would be most
beneficial. They will also address fees and appointments.
Below are a few assessment options for your consideration:
1. If your child is presently in counseling with a private mental health provider, you
may choose to seek an emergency visit with the therapist to have your child
assessed.
2. If the school houses a mental health therapist from a private agency (i.e. the
WHAT clinic, New Hanover County Health Department, Learning Perspectives)
you may request an emergency intake. If your child is already a client of the
onsite therapist, the assessment may be conducted by him or her.
3. You may request the Mobile Crisis Unit (RHA) to meet you and your child at
school or at your home. The crisis unit will assess your child’s level of risk and
assist you in determining the need for follow up services.
The mobile Crisis Unit (RHA) can be reached at 1-844-709-4097
If you are willing to sign a “Release of Information” form for the school administrator
or support staff person assisting you today, we will be able to share with the mental
health provider how your child came to our attention on this day and what led to this
crisis response being initiated. This information will assist them in making an
informed assessment and to develop the best plan of action for you and your child.
We realize how difficult and painful this experience may be for you and your child.
Please know that we are here to provide support for your child as well as you, the
parent(s).
Sincerely,
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