3423 - Suicide Awareness and Prevention Policy

Policy 3423

STUDENTS

Suicide Awareness and Prevention

The board recognizes how physical and mental well-being relate to academic achievement.  A student who experiences depression does not benefit fully from the educational program of the school.  Moreover, a student who threatens or attempts suicide poses a danger both to self and possibly to others.

Because the entire staff, as well as the students, can benefit from and contribute toward the prevention of adolescent suicide, the board directs the superintendent to develop and implement a comprehensive suicide awareness and prevention program.  The program that is developed should help the school staff, parent(s) or guardian(s) and students to:

A. Understand the developmental stages of adolescence and the causes of suicide;
B. Recognize the early warning signs of suicide;
C. Learn how to help in a suicidal crisis; and
D. Identify community resources.

In incidents of potentially self-destructive behavior, the student’s parent(s) or guardian(s) shall be notified immediately and their cooperation shall be sought for immediate intervention.  If the parent(s) or guardian(s) is unwilling to cooperate, the school administration shall contact appropriate agencies to request intervention on the student’s behalf.

The board directs the superintendent to develop procedures to implement this policy and insure their dissemination to staff, students and parent(s) or guardian(s).

 

Cross References:       Board Policy 2167                  Drug and Alcohol Use/Abuse
                                       Board Policy 3421                  Child Abuse and Neglect
                                       Board Policy 4100                  Confidential Information

Legal Reference:         RCW   9A.36.060                   Promoting a Suicide Attempt

 

Adoption Date:           August 23, 1994