Equal attention to Learning Supports is essential so that:
- Every student will demonstrate academic achievement and be prepared for success after high school;
- Every student will be supported by highly prepared and effective teachers and school leaders; and
- Every school will offer a safe and healthy learning environment for all students.
Suicide Prevention
Contact the CARES line at 1-800-345-9049 if there are indicators of imminent danger. The Screening, Assessment and Support Services (SASS) program is available for children and adolescents experiencing a mental health crisis.
Suicide among youth is a significant public health problem and is the third leading cause of death among 10-24 year olds. Schools can play a critical role in suicide prevention.
Risk factors correlated with suicide include:- Prior suicide attempt
- Co-occurring mental and alcohol or substance abuse disorders
- Family history of suicide
- Parental psychopathology
- Hopelessness
- Impulsive and/or aggressive tendencies
- Easy access to lethal methods, especially guns
- Exposure to the suicide of a significant person
- History of physical or sexual abuse
- Impaired parent-child relationships
- Life stressors, especially those involving loss
- Lack of involvement in school and/or work ("drifting")
- Promoting social, emotional, behavioral, and academic competencies
- Providing a safe, caring, responsive, and participatory school climate
- Engaging parents
- Intervening early when students need additional mental health supports
- Making appropriate referrals if necessary supports are beyond the capacity of school personnel
- Contacting the CARES line at 1-800-345-9049 if there are indicators of imminent danger. The Screening, Assessment and Support Services (SASS) program is available for children and adolescents experiencing a mental health crisis.
- Implementing a coordinated crisis response when a suicide occurs.
