Youth Suicide Risk Assessment, Prevention and Intervention

This session explores the current research on the rising rates of youth suicide in the United States and the risk factors associated with suicidal behavior in youth, particularly children exposed to trauma, in foster care, receiving mental health treatment, or who identify as LGBTQ. Participants will learn the role that schools, agencies, caregivers and communities play in reducing suicide risk factors through implementation of a systems approach and recommended prevention and intervention strategies.

Learning Objectives

· Participants will be able to describe the myths and facts associated with youth suicide.

· Participants will be able to assess the unique suicide risk correlates for children exposed to trauma, in foster care, receiving mental health treatment, or who identify as LGBTQ.

· Participants will be able to analyze the use of a systems approach in preventing youth suicide.

· Participants will be able to define the protective role that schools, agencies, families and communities play in preventing youth suicide.

· Participants will be able to apply recommended suicide risk assessment, prevention, and treatment approaches.