Suicide Prevention

ASAP (Act, Support, and Protect), in partnership with the NCTSN (National Child Traumatic Stress Network), released this three-page tip sheet for trauma-informed guidance regarding safety assessments. Some recommendations are tailored to COVID-19; others are applicable beyond the current pandemic.

Parents and other caregivers should be prepared to respond to youth who have thoughts of ending their own lives. Resources and information provided to share with parents. 

The Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ) tool is a set of four brief suicide screening questions that takes 20 seconds to administer.

The Columbia Protocol, also known as the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS), supports suicide risk assessment through a series of simple, plain-language questions that anyone can ask. The answers help users identify whether someone is at risk for suicide, assess the severity and immediacy of that risk, and gauge the level of support that the person needs.

Infographic succinctly illustrates how to use the SAFE-T Method

This resource provides critical knowledge and resources to help schools recognize and assess the warning signs of STBs, and to respond in ways that keep children as safe as possible.   It provides: Guidance on what language to use with young children experiencing STBs; Myths and facts about STBs in children and early adolescents; Risk factors and warning signs; Identification and referral strategies; Appropriate educator and school responses to STBs. (Mental Health Transfer Technology Center)

This resource is designed to help parents and caregivers prevent suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs), recognize the warning signs of STBs, and, when necessary, intervene early and effectively to keep their child safe. It provides: Myths and facts about STBs among elementary-aged children; Recognizing signs and symptoms of STBs; Responding effectively to keep your child safe, including sample language and concrete actions; Preventing STBs; Considerations for BIPOC and LGBTQ children and their unique needs. (Mental Health Technology Transfer Center)