The School's Role in the Prevention of Youth Suicide

Abstract

This article addresses the problem of suicide among school-age youths and identifies the need for a comprehensive suicide intervention program in the school setting. The three basic components of such a program are described: prevention services to provide education and intervention for all students, intervention services especially for those students at risk for suicide, and postvention services for the survivors following a suicide. The article emphasizes that all three components are necessary to provide an adequate range of services designed for the prevention of youth suicide. The article addresses the necessity for collaboration among staff in a successful suicide intervention program. In particular, the roles of school social worker and school counselor are addressed in terms of a team effort. The issue of confidentiality is discussed with particular attention given to the legal and ethical difficulties that often arise with suicide interventions.