The Seymour Board of Education recognizes that suicide is a leading cause of death among young people and is a concern to this school system and the community it serves.  It is the policy of the Board of Education to actively respond in any situation where a student verbally or behaviorally indicates suicidal ideation, intent to attempt suicide or to do physical harm to himself/herself.

The Board of Education recognizes the need for youth suicide prevention procedures and will establish program(s) to identify risk factors for youth suicide, procedures to intervene with such youth, referral services and training for teachers, other school professionals and students to provide assistance in these programs.

It is recognized by the Board of Education that suicide is a complex mental health issue and that, while school staff members may identify potentially suicidal youth, they should not as educators make clinical assessment of risk nor provide in-depth counseling or treatment but refer the youth to the appropriate agency for such assessment and counseling.  If deemed necessary by the School a clinical assessment may be required and written documentation may be required and submitted to the Principal or designee stating that “the student is no longer at risk to harm himself/herself or others.”

Therefore, any school employee who may have knowledge of a suicide threat or of a student at risk must take the proper steps to immediately report this information to the school administrator or his/her designee who will in turn notify the appropriate school officials and the students’ parents.

Seymour Board of Education Policy #5141.5

Possible Indicators of Suicide Risk - Policy #5141.5  Appendix A

Suggested Procedures for Talking to Students About Suicide/Sudden Death - Policy #5141.5 Appendix D