BP 5141.52 — Suicide Prevention

Section: 5000 - Students
Status: Active

Adopted: 2017-08-22

Revised: 2021-12-16

Policy text

SUICIDE PREVENTION

The Governing Board recognizes that suicide is a leading cause of death among youth, prevention is a collective effort that requires stakeholder engagement, and with school personnel who regularly interact with students are often in a position to recognize the warning signs of suicide and to offer appropriate referral and/or assistance. To attempt to reduce suicidal behavior and its impact on students and families, the Superintendent or designee shall develop measures and strategies for suicide prevention, intervention, and post-vention.

In developing policy measures and strategies for suicide prevention and intervention, use by the district, the Superintendent or designee may consult with school and community stakeholders such as administrators, other staff, parents/guardians, and students; school-employed mental health professionals such as school counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, and school nurses; administrators, other staff, parents/guardians, students, suicide prevention experts such as local health agencies, mental health professionals, and community organizations; law enforcement; and in developing policy for grades K-12, the county mental health plan. The Board shall ensure that measures and strategies for students in grades K-6 are age appropriate and delivered and discussed in a manner that is sensitive to the needs of young students.

Such measures and strategies for suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention in grades K-12 shall include, but are not limited to:

Staff development on suicide awareness and prevention for teachers, school counselors, and other district employees who interact with students, as described in the accompanying administrative regulation in the elementary and secondary grades (K-12)
Instruction to students in problem-solving and coping skills to promote students’ mental, emotional, and social health and well-being, as well as instruction in recognizing and appropriately responding to warning signs of suicidal intent in others
Methods for promoting a positive school climate that enhances students’ feelings of connectedness with the school and that is characterized by caring staff and harmonious interrelationships among students
The provision of information to parents/guardians regarding risk factors and warning signs of suicide, the severity of the suicide problem among youth, the district’s suicide prevention curriculum, basic steps for helping suicidal youth, and/or school and community resources that can help youth in crisis
Encouragement for students to notify appropriate school personnel or other adults when they are experiencing thoughts of suicide or when they suspect or have knowledge of another student’s suicidal intentions
Crisis intervention procedures for addressing suicide threats or attempts
Counseling and other postvention strategies for helping students, staff, and others cope in the aftermath of a student’s suicide

As appropriate, these measures and strategies shall specifically address the needs of students who are at high risk of suicide, including, but not limited to, students who are bereaved by suicide; students with disabilities, mental illness, or substance use disorders; students who are experiencing homelessness or who are in out-of-home settings such as foster care; and students who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or questioning youth.

If a referral is made for mental health or related services for a student in grade K-6 who is a Medi-Cal beneficiary, the Superintendent or designee shall coordinate and consult with the county mental health plan.

District employees shall act only within the authorization and scope of their credential or license. Nothing in this policy shall be construed as authorizing or encouraging district employees to diagnose or treat mental illness unless they are specifically licensed and employed to do so.

The Board shall review, and update as necessary, this policy at least every three years.

The Superintendent or designee shall post this policy on the district’s website, in a prominent location and in a manner that is easily accessible to parents/guardians and students.