Jeffco Public Schools

Suicide Prevention

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Suicide Prevention Info & Resources Prevención del suicidio e información de recursos

At Jeffco Public Schools, we believe it is ethically imperative to do ALL we can to prevent suicide in our Jeffco community. Improving the emotional and behavioral health of our students is a top priority. We do this by utilizing the latest research in the field of suicide prevention, specifically following the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Model School District Policy.

From prevention to intervention to postvention, we are dedicated to offering a comprehensive, evidence-based, suicide prevention program to our Jeffco students and community.

calendar of community events

Jeffco Public Schools is committed to keeping families and the Jeffco community connected, calm and strong. Each month we will focus on a new theme and share new ways to practice strength at home through family activities and resources.

Jeffco Public schools has partnered with Sources of Strength to help Jeffco families through these trying times, especially as many families shift their routines and navigate in person learning again. Sources of Strength is a public health program that focuses on promoting mental health and building protective factors that increase connection, coping, resiliency, and wellness. This in turn can help prevent suicide, violence, bullying, substance abuse and so much more.

We have compiled a series of resources for you: check-ins and conversation starters, activities for exploring emotions, and protective practices for you and for the members in your household to find pathways to build connection and strength!

GO TO JEFFCO STRENGTHS

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

QPR

An evidence based Suicide Prevention Gatekeeper model that teaches individuals how to:
1. Recognize the warning sign of suicide
2. Ask someone directly about suicide
3. Connect someone in crisis to proper mental health support

The more aware and equipped our entire community is, the safer our students will be.

In 2019, we began the process of training ALL 14,000+ Jeffco employees in QPR. ALL means roles such as teachers, bus drivers, custodial staff, campus supervisors, nurses, para educators, secretaries, food and nutrition staff, coaches, central administrators, mental health professionals, building administrators, parents and caregivers, etc.
We will require this training every two years for Jeffco employees.
Beginning Fall 2019, we are hosting regular community nights across the district to train parents and caregivers in QPR.

SOURCES OF STRENGTH

A peer led, upstream suicide prevention program

Jeffco is removing school-based implementation and financial barriers so that more schools can successfully launch and maintain Sources of Strength in their community. Sources of Strength is an evidence-based suicide prevention program led primarily by students. It exists to spread hope, help, and strength as well as increase protective factors in the lives of the peer leaders and their classmates. Some of the protective factors include help seeking behaviors, meaningful relationships with trusted adults/mentors, healthy activities, positive family support and friends, generosity, and a willingness to break codes of silence and secrecy when it comes to mental health concerns of their friends/peers.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES

For parents, caregivers, and families

In response to our community and family feedback Jeffco has started offering QPR trainings to parents/caregivers throughout the district.

calendar of community events

SAFE, WELCOMING, AND INCLUSIVE ENVIRONMENTS

Jeffco’s Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Team promotes a culture of equity, inclusion, and belonging across the district by creating equitable access and opportunity across race, class, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ability, and language. At the school level, this could include supporting the creation of GSAs (Gender and Sexuality Alliance/Gay Straight Alliance) and staff equity committees. Additionally, this team offers all Jeffco staff ongoing trainings on topics such as equity, LGBTQ+101, Gender Inclusion, Implicit Bias, Culturally Responsive Teaching, and Responding to Slurs at School.

RESTORATIVE PRACTICES

Jeffco’s offices of Student Engagement and Student Discipline support schools in implementation of Restorative Practices. Based on the core belief that "we are all connected," the broad spectrum of restorative practices support all stakeholders in a school in building healthy relationships, repairing harm when it has impacted a community, and reintegrating those who need to be welcomed back into school communities.

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID (YMHFA)^™

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches school staff how to help an adolescent (12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge or is in crisis. YMHFA is an introduction to common mental health challenges for youth, teaches typical adolescent development, as well as a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

IN CRISIS? FIND LOCAL RESOURCES HERE

LOCAL MENTAL HEATH RESOURCES

Colorado Crisis Services
If you don’t know where to begin getting help with a mental health, substance use or emotional concern for yourself or someone you know—start here. We provide confidential and immediate support, 24/7/365. If you are in crisis or need help dealing with one, call this toll-free number 1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255 to speak to a trained professional.

4 Ways to Get Help

Walk In - 9 locations in Colorado
Call - toll free 1-844-493-8255
Chat Online - confidential
Text - confidential - Text "TALK" to 38255

In Crisis:

call 911

Colorado Crisis Services
1-844-493-TALK (8255) or text TALK to 38255

National Suicide Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)

The Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386

Walk In Colorado Crisis Services at Jefferson Center for Mental Health
4643 Wadsworth Blvd.
Wheat Ridge 80033
(303) 425-0300
http://www.jcmh.org

Suicide Prevention Info & Resources Prevención del suicidio e información de recursos

SUICIDE RISK ASSESSMENT DATA TRENDS

The following charts are from Jeffco Suicide Risk Assessments (SRA) done this school year. August 2019-present. All Jeffco mental health professionals use an evidence based tool called the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRC),]. These are student responses to the following question:

"Check all risk and protective factors that apply. This section should be completed following the suicidal ideation and prompts section of the SRA. Review of any records or history, and/or consultation with family members and/or other professionals. These questions help to ensure we are covering all possible factors that can be helpful in both determining risk and providing support."

Data below captured 01.28.2020
SRA-Mental Health Status - 01.28.20