Course 6B - After a Suicide: Toolkit for Schools

Course overview

This course is the 2nd Edition of the document created in 2011 by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC). The purpose was to assist schools in the aftermath of a suicide in the school community. This second edition includes updated information and new material. Approved by NBCC, Florida Certification Board and multiple states. Pending 6 PDHs for EACC-EAPA. The material in this course reflects consensus recommendations developed in consultation with national experts, including school-based administrators and staff, clinicians, researchers, and crisis response professionals. It provides guidance and tools for development of a POSTVENTION approach to student suicide. Postvention is a program of strategic activities to alleviate the distress of suicidally bereaved individuals, reduce the risk of imitative suicidal behavior (SUICIDE CONTAGION), and promote the healthy recovery of the affected community. This resource was developed primarily for Administrators and Crisis Team staff in middle and high schools, but can also be used in communities. EAPs and other mental health and addiction consultants can utilize these materials in consultation with school districts, high schools, and inpatient and residential treatment program management. Although some of the guidance can be used to serve other age groups, the developmental differences between students in elementary, middle, and high school, and college must be taken into account when using the toolkit to respond to a death in a school or treatment program. After a Suicide focuses on how to respond in the immediate aftermath of the suicide death of a student. Ideally, schools and other facilities should have a crisis response and postvention plan in place before a suicide occurs. That will enable staff to respond in an organized and effective manner. But whether or not a plan is in place, this toolkit contains information to initiate a coordinated response.