Suicide Prevention Plan

The conversation related to suicide is delicate for all involved, especially when it involves children. It is, however, a discussion that must take place to provide the supports necessary for students

PURPOSE

All school district employees will be aware of the warning signs, indicators of risk, how to report concerns, and the process in place to support students.

Lawrence Public Schools USD 497 is committed to suicide awareness, education, and prevention.

RESOURCES

• Bert Nash Community Mental Health Center (www.bertnash.org; 785-843-9192)

  • Offers a wide range of mental health services to residents of Douglas County

• Kansas Suicide Prevention HQ (www.headquarterscounselingcenter.org; 785-841-2345)

• Kansas Suicide Prevention Resource Center (www.KansasSuicidePrevention.org)

• American Foundation of Suicide Prevention (www.afsp.org)

  • Provides information about how to determine the degree of risk and how to respond

• Marillac Center (www.marillac.org; 913-951-4300)

  • Marillac provides comprehensive mental health services for children, adolescents and families

• KVC Behavioral HealthCare Inc (www.kvc.org; 1-866-582-2273)

  • Provides a continuum of medical and behavioral care for children

HOTLINES

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

Hopeline Network: 1-800-784-2433

Trevor Project Suicide Hotline: 1-866-488-7386 or text 'START' to 678-678

GLBT National Youth Talkline: 1-800-246-7743

Kansas School Safety Hotline: 1-877-626-8203

SUICIDE PREVENTION PROTOCOLS

Lawrence Public Schools will follow the suicide prevention procedures listed below. If any peer, teacher or other school employee identifies someone potentially suicidal as a result of directly or indirectly expressing suicidal thoughts (ideation) or demonstrating clues or warning signs:

We will: 

1. Take the threat of self-harm seriously.

2. Take immediate action. The Building Administrator, Counselor, School Psychologist, School Social Worker or building Mental Health Professional will be notified.

3. The Building Administrator or Mental Health Professional will follow the district's Suicide Prevention Administrative Procedures (as noted in the district's Bluebooks).

4. The student will meet with a designated Mental Health Professional to assess the level of risk.

5. The student will be monitored and kept safe.

6. The Mental Health Professional will notify parents/legal guardian immediately to schedule a conference to share the student's emotional condition and behavior. Parents/legal guardians will be provided names and phone numbers of agencies that may hprovide immediate assistance and will be given a copy of the Emergency Conference with Parents Form.

7. If the Administrator or Mental Health Professional knows or has reasonable cause to suspect the student has been, or is likely to be, abused or neglected, a report of suspected abuse or neglect will be made to the Department for Children and Families (DCF) by calling the Kansas Protection Report Center at 1-800-922-5330.

8. Employees of educational institutions are mandated reporters for suspected child abuse and neglect.

9. All actions will be documented.

IMPORTANT SIGNS, SYMPTOMS AND BEHAVIORS

Awareness of the following signs, symptoms and behaviors will assist with self-harm and suicide prevention. Self-harm and suicide can occur with children and adolescents of varying ages. Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among children and adolescents age 10-24.

If the following symptoms are observed, the student will be referred to the building's Mental Health Team:

(*Italicized items indicate immediate referral to the Mental Health Team)

• *Talking about suicide/related drawings/Internet sites

• *Past suicide attempts and present concerning behaviors

• *Engaging in self-harm (i.e., cutting, burning)

• Strong reaction to recent loss (i.e., relationships, deaths)

• Familial/environmental stressors

• Sudden changes in behavior, personality or friends

• Drug and alcohol use and abuse

• Trouble with sleeping

• High degree of self-criticism

• Victim of bullying/harassment

• Extreme passivity

• Lack of emotion

• Pessimism

• Depression or other mood disorders

• Giving away possessions

• Socially isolating onself

• Extreme risk-taking

• Feelings of hopelessness

• Impulsivity

• Loss of appetite

• Feelings of rejection

• Distorted reality

• Declining grades

• Deteriorating school function

• Pressure to achieve

• Sexual identity issues