Suicide is a leading cause of death among youth
Britten School recognizes that suicide is a leading cause of death among youth and that an even greater amount of youth consider (17 percent of high school students) and attempt suicide (over 8 percent of high school students) (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015).
Our policy and training utilizes nationally recognized standards
We have developed a policy that works to ensure the safety of students and involves faculty, students, parents and administration in the shared goal of student safety. We will utilize the Signs of Suicide® Prevention Program (SOS), an empirically based national suicide prevention program.
Risk is assessed and communicated promptly and safely
Britten School Clinical Coordinator and Coordinator of Student Services shall be designated as the primary suicide prevention point persons. Whenever a faculty member suspects or has knowledge of a student’s suicidal intentions, they shall promptly notify a primary point person. Parents/Guardians will be notified immediately of any concerns or recommendations regarding their student.
We work to create a safe environment
Research tells us that allowing students a safe environment to express their feelings and address their concerns helps to keep them safe. We also must work to create a safe and nurturing environment that minimizes the risk of suicide. If there is a suicide attempt, serious injury, or fatality, Britten School will work tirelessly to ensure the safety and emotional well-being of its students and work in compliance with state and federal regulations.
We encourage parent involvement and provide annual training
Faculty, students and parents will receive annual training on the causes and signs of suicide.
Parents/Guardians are encouraged to make us aware of any concerns that they may have regarding their student. Britten School will provide annual training on the Signs Of Suicide and the Britten School Suicide Policy at Parent Information Night. Please feel free to reach out to your Teams with any concerns, requests or questions that you may have. If there is an immediate concern, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK, is available 24/7 and provides immediate counseling and local mental health referrals.