Adopted:          09/15/2008

                                                                                                           456 Rule

Prairie Farm School District

SUICIDE PREVENTION, INTERVENTION AND POSTVENTION PROCEDURES

I. Suicide Prevention/Intervention

A. Definitions:

1. Attempted Suicide – (Doing something that he/she believes will cause death; having the conscious intent to die)

2. Suicidal Gesture – (An act that is symbolic of suicide, but which constitutes no serious threat to life)

3. Suicidal Threat – (Saying or doing something that indicates a self-destructive desire) 4. Suicidal Ideation – (Having thoughts about killing oneself)

B. Warning Signs:

1. Change in appetite

2. Change in sleep pattern

3. Decreased concentration

4. Decreased interest in activities that were a source of pleasure

5. Sudden agitation or sudden slowing down in level of activity fatigue

6. Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and self-reproach

7. Inappropriate excessive guilt

8. Significant drop in school performance

9. Dramatic change in personal appearance

10. Runaway behavior

11. Aggressive violent behavior *

12. Suicidal thoughts *

13. Suicidal statements – i.e., “I wish I’d never been born.” *

14. Giving away prized possessions *

15. Dare-devil behavior – i.e., taking risks such as driving recklessly

*Key indicators

C. General Guidelines

1. School personnel who recognize any type of suicidal behavior, (see A above), no matter how trivial it seems, shall report it to the school counselor. The building principal shall be notified in all cases. Under no circumstances should any one individual take sole responsibility when the subject of suicide is involved.

2. In all cases, the safety of the student is primary and will always supercede confidentiality.

3. School personnel who fear for the safety of a student must not leave the student alone. School personnel must personally escort the student to the counselor or principal.

D. Specific Procedures for Counselors, Administrators, Psychologist or Nurses

1. Suicide Attempt

a. When a student is in imminent danger of harming him/herself, law enforcement personnel shall be contacted immediately.

b. The counselor, building principal, psychologist, or nurses shall contact the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) and inform them that their child has attempted, or is planning to attempt suicide.

c. Once the referral is made to a guardian and/or outside agency, school staff will assume secondary counseling responsibilities only and will not take sole responsibility for being therapists.

2. Suicidal Gestures

a. When an action has taken place that is symbolic of suicide, but is not life threatening, the parent shall be notified, and the need for outside agency referral discussed.

b. Once the referral is made to a guardian and/or outside agency, school staff will assume secondary counseling responsibilities only and will not take sole responsibility for being therapists.

3. Suicidal Threat or Ideation – When a suicidal threat or ideation has been reported, the school counselor, building principal, psychologist, or nurse will be responsible for determining the “plan of action: involved.” It is important that the student be questioned immediately about his/her thoughts intent, and/or plans.

II. Postvention

Any time a student attempts suicide (as defined by policy), the postvention counseling team shall be convened to advise the District Administrator and/or building administrator of any counseling activities that may be needed. Should a completed suicide occur, procedures A through F shall be followed.

A. The District Administrator will be responsible for any media contact. If other school personnel are contacted by the media they should refer that person to the District Administrator.

B. The Pre-K - 12 principal is responsible for the formulation of a telephone tree to be activated in the case of a completed suicide. It will be necessary to contact all building employees and Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) members to inform them of the suicide, and to arrange for them to meet before the next school day.

C. A member of the Pupil Personnel Services team will serve as coordinator for all post-suicide counseling activities. The coordinator will immediately notify the District postvention counseling team.

D. The coordinator will gather the following information prior to the arrival of the postvention team. Copies of the following information should be made available to all team members:

1. Facts concerning the suicide, circumstances involved.

2. Background on student – academic evaluation, extra-curricular involvement with the school and/or community.

3. List of school/community resources – for referral on an as needed basis.

E. The coordinator will oversee the establishment of postvention counseling groups.

1. Groups should be comprised of friends, team members, classmates, etc.

2. It is recommended that the groups be limited to 10-15 students.

3. It is important that rooms for counseling are available and student passes are issued.

F. A meeting for school employees may be held after school to facilitate discussion about the day’s activities.

CROSS REF.:   456, Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention Program