(D) Demonstrates the ability to use procedures for assessing and managing suicide risk;
The following course syllabi reflect how this competency was met through my graduate studies:
|
| ||||
|
| ||||
North Clackamas School District Suicide Intervention Process
While working in the North Clackamas School District, I knew that I needed to familiarize myself with the school district's protocol for suicide intervention and prevention in case a situation involving thoughts of suicide came up. The school district's protocol, coupled with the training I received through ASIST, gave me the confidence and tools I needed to appropriately assess and manage suicide risk. I am glad that I had taken these precautions because I felt confident knowing what I needed to do when a situation involving thoughts of suicide came up with one of my elementary school students.
While working in the North Clackamas School District, I knew that I needed to familiarize myself with the school district's protocol for suicide intervention and prevention in case a situation involving thoughts of suicide came up. The school district's protocol, coupled with the training I received through ASIST, gave me the confidence and tools I needed to appropriately assess and manage suicide risk. I am glad that I had taken these precautions because I felt confident knowing what I needed to do when a situation involving thoughts of suicide came up with one of my elementary school students.
| NCSD Suicide Intervention Process |
Suicide Risk Assessment
I knew a suicide risk assessment was needed when I learned that a fourth grade student wrote a letter to their substitute teacher saying that they wanted to die, I responded immediately. Using what I had learned in the ASIST suicide prevention training, and in adherence to the school district protocols, I asked the student clear, straightforward questions to assess the threat of harm and create a safety plan for the student which included making a practice call to the suicide hotline. I then contacting the parents to notify them of the suicide risk, and make recommendations for keeping their child safe outside of school, which they were extremely grateful for. I also made a referral to counseling, scheduled weekly individual check-ins with the student, and identified safe adults in the school who knew what was going on and who the student could check in with if needed. Later that day I consulted with the principal, school social worker, and the district suicide prevention specialist to make sure that I was supporting the student in every possible way.
Months later the student wrote me a letter saying how appreciative they were that I was able to help them and how supported they felt when they needed it the most. I still continue to check in with them and I am happy to report that their thoughts of suicide have significantly decreased.
I knew a suicide risk assessment was needed when I learned that a fourth grade student wrote a letter to their substitute teacher saying that they wanted to die, I responded immediately. Using what I had learned in the ASIST suicide prevention training, and in adherence to the school district protocols, I asked the student clear, straightforward questions to assess the threat of harm and create a safety plan for the student which included making a practice call to the suicide hotline. I then contacting the parents to notify them of the suicide risk, and make recommendations for keeping their child safe outside of school, which they were extremely grateful for. I also made a referral to counseling, scheduled weekly individual check-ins with the student, and identified safe adults in the school who knew what was going on and who the student could check in with if needed. Later that day I consulted with the principal, school social worker, and the district suicide prevention specialist to make sure that I was supporting the student in every possible way.
Months later the student wrote me a letter saying how appreciative they were that I was able to help them and how supported they felt when they needed it the most. I still continue to check in with them and I am happy to report that their thoughts of suicide have significantly decreased.
