School Mental Health / Suicide Prevention & Intervention

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Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention

Suicide is a serious public health problem that takes an enormous toll on families, friends, classmates, co-workers, and communities, as well as on our military personnel and veterans. Suicide prevention is the collective effort of all adults that support and work with students, including parents/caregivers, families, local community organizations, mental health practitioners, and related professionals. It involves school-wide activities and programs that enhance connectedness, build community, contribute to a safe and nurturing environment, and strengthen protective factors that reduce risk for students.

L.A. Unified's Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention policy provides guidelines and procedures for how to respond to students at risk for suicide and self-harm, including action steps, safety planning, re-entry protocols for students who have been hospitalized, and resources for parents/caregivers and staff. It is each employee’s responsibility to know the warning signs and risk factors for suicide and self-harm, and to provide an appropriate and timely response in preventing and addressing suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and deaths by suicide. This policy is applicable to all schools, District and school-related activities, and in all areas within the District’s jurisdiction.

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