1. Suicide Prevention Joint School District No. 2

2. What does the legal system require of schools?  Idaho Code 33-512B Suicidal Tendencies….Duty to Warn  School counselors and school psychologist have additional legal requirements.

3. What are the requirements by the State Department of Education?  Idaho Administrative Rules of the State Board of Education (IDAPA.08.02.03)  Meridian Joint School District Policy 504.21

4. Meridian Joint School District No. 2 School Counseling Department Suicide Prevention Procedures 1. Staff notification responsibilities 2. Crisis Interview 3. Consult with team member 4. Inform Parents 5. Documentation 6. If needed …Alleged Abuse/Neglect Report (Idaho Code 16-1619)

5. Suicide Is a cry for help…..it is a desperate effort to end the pain of problems that have become overwhelming…. Learning about suicide can help you answer that cry for help before it’s too late.

6. Why?  Loss  Loneliness  Hopelessness Suicide is a permanent ---- but the motivation or feelings to commit suicide are often temporary.

7. Behavioral Clues  Sudden change in behavior  Withdrawing  Loss of interest  Physical complaints  Difficulty focusing, decline in schoolwork  Giving away possessions  Neglect of physical appearance  Family crisis  Sexual/physical abuse  Use of drugs/alcohol

8. Direct or Indirect Clues…  “I wish I were dead….”  “I’m tired of life …..”  “I’m going to end it all….”  “My ____ would be better off without me…”  “I won’t be around much longer…”  “I wish I had never been born…”  “I’m going to kill myself.”

9. Suicide Myths  A person who threatens suicide won’t really follow through. FALSE. People who commit suicide often talk about ending their lives before they actually do.

10. Suicide Myths  Talking about suicide might prompt the person to act. FALSE! Discussing the subject openly shows that you take the person seriously and that you care. It is helpful---not harmful.

11. Suicide Myths  Once a person decides to commit suicide, nothing can stop that person. FALSE! Most suicidal people can and want to be stopped.

12. Suicide Myths  People who attempt suicide are just trying to get attention. Possibly----but unless someone gives them attention, the consequences could be fatal.

13. What to do…  Take all threats seriously  Communicate concerns/share information with administrator, school counselor, school psychologist and/or school nurse  Remain calm, listen  Do not promise secrecy  Do not leave the student alone