Suicide Prevention in Juvenile Facilities.

Abstract

Youth suicide is recognized as a serious public health problem, but suicide within juvenile facilities has not received comparable attention, and the extent and nature of these deaths remain unknown. This article utilizes an example of a young man in a juvenile justice facility who succeeded in committing suicide to illustrate these points. Information concerning risk factors for suicide and current conditions of confinement in juvenile facilities is provided. The critical components of a suicide prevention policy are discussed. Issues examined within this discussion include: staff training; intake screening and ongoing assessment; communication; housing; supervision; intervention; reporting; and follow-up. Essential for suicide prevention in juvenile justice facilities are collaborative efforts among child-serving agencies. Now is the time to focus additional attention and resources on preventing suicide within these facilities. (Contains 25 references.) (MKA) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document.