Suicide is the second leading cause of death in the United States for children ages 10-14 and the third leading cause of death for youth ages 15-24 (NIMH, 2023). The staff in charge of groups of children can be a lifeline to help ease their suffering and prevent death by suicide. This course helps out-of-school time (OST) professionals learn how to observe youth who are in distress, listen and respond sensitively and appropriately, and refer them to a professional counselor (if necessary) to prevent self-harm and suicide. Tools and strategies are included to help apply these skills to create a welcoming and inclusive community in after school settings. (2 hours)
A group of teenagers sitting on chairs in circle discussing a serious topic.
Course objectives
- Recognize the physical, verbal, and behavioral signs that a young person is in distress and has the potential for self-harm.
- Understand how to approach youth in distress to help them feel safe, encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings, and seek professional help.
- Apply knowledge of child and youth development and suicide prevention to create an atmosphere that is inclusive, accepting, decreases stigma, and encourages courage and caring among youth.
