Suicide Prevention for Schools

Welcome to the Front Lines

Breaking Down the Numbers – The National Reality

Risk Factors – The Perfect Storm

Warning Signs – Reading the Signals

Protective Factors – Building the Safety Net

The Brain Science Behind Adolescent Suicide Risk

When Identity and Culture Factor In

Common Myths That Get in Our Way

Asking the Question – Finding the Words

Your Toolbox – Quick Reference Guide

What Happens Next – The Process

Self-Care – Protecting Your Own Mental Health

Reflection & Next Steps

First Response – The Critical Moments

The Safety Assessment – Ask the Right Questions

Crisis Resources – National Lifelines

When a Student Says "No" – Working with Resistance

The Hand-Off – Connecting with Mental Health Professionals

The Safety Plan – Building the Protection Framework

Means Restriction – The Critical Conversation

Cultural Considerations in Intervention

Documentation – The Legal and Ethical Imperative

Role Play – Putting Skills into Practice

Taking Care of Yourself – Compassion Fatigue

The Intervention Cycle – Follow Through and Follow Up

Prevention – The Power of School Culture

The Connectedness Factor – Relationships Save Lives

Social-Emotional Learning – Building Resilience

Hope Theory – The Antidote to Hopelessness

Strengths-Based Approaches – Asset Thinking

Building Protective Peer Networks

Supporting Vulnerable Populations

Curriculum Integration – Embedding Prevention

The Family Partnership – Extending Prevention Beyond School

Technology – Leveraging Digital Tools for Prevention

Measuring Impact – Data-Informed Prevention

Reflection & Practical Implementation

Postvention – Responding After a Crisis

Understanding Contagion – A Critical Concept

First 24 Hours – The Critical Window

Supporting Affected Students – Concentric Circles of Impact

Classroom Discussions – What to Say and Avoid

Memorialization – Balancing Remembrance and Safety

Social Media Considerations – Digital Grief

Recovery Over Time – The Long Journey

Self-Care During Crisis Response – Sustaining the Helpers

Legal Framework – Understanding Your Responsibilities

Documentation Essentials – What to Record

Documentation Protocols – Your District Requirements

Confidentiality – Balancing Privacy and Safety

Parent/Guardian Notification – Requirements and Exceptions

Crisis Response Documentation – During and After

Records Maintenance – Proper Storage and Access

Liability Considerations – Protection Through Practice

Continuous Improvement – Learning from Experience

Module 5 Reflection & Action Steps

The Paperwork Pyramid – Know Your Documentation Levels

Putting It All Together – The Prevention Framework

Scenario Practice – Recognizing Warning Signs

Interactive Exercise – Asking Directly About Suicide

Scenario Exercise – The First Response

Practice Dialogue – Working With Resistance

Collaborative Exercise – Creating Safety Plans

Role Play – The Parent Conversation

Documentation Practice – Creating Effective Records

Integration Exercise – Putting the Pieces Together

Your Personal Plan – Building Confidence

Supporting Each Other – The Professional Community