Aligning state discipline and mental health policies with trauma and JEDI-Informed suicide prevention for Black youth

Abstract

Addressing the alarming rates of suicide among Black youth requires a comprehensive understanding of state-level discipline and mental health policies through a trauma- and justice-informed lens. This review investigates the current state landscape by analyzing a federal database of state laws and policies related to school discipline and mental health access. The analysis is guided by a trauma- and JEDI-informed (justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion) suicide prevention model, evaluating the extent to which these policies align with the model’s recommendations to address the unique needs of Black youth. The purpose of this review is to assess United States state and territory policies and procedures across four dimensions of the JEDI-informed framework: race and ethnicity, trauma, mental health access, and community/family partnerships. By assessing these constructs, the review aims to provide actionable insights for developing effective, equity-centered suicide prevention models tailored to Black youth. Results indicate that more than half of the states address these issues in their policies regarding discipline and prevention/intervention. We suggest that this has important implications for preventing suicide in Black youth.