Guidelines to assist in responding to attempted suicide or suicide by ...

School staff need tobe caring listeners andobservers. Their role isto refer rather than treat.Only mental healthprofessionals shouldassess students forsuicide risk.4. Develop response and support plans for all identified students, incollaboration with mental health professionalsThese plans should include the following:• an assessment of whether it is appropriate in the circumstances to makecontact with the parents/guardians of the student taking into account thestudent’s particular family circumstances, his/her age and level of maturity,the wishes of the student, and your obligations under the Health Records Act2001 and the HPPs contained within it• contact with the student• referral to a student support services officer for support• referral to a mental health professional for a risk assessment, if appropriate• a documented plan of the support to be provided to the student by theschool, student support services, the family and if appropriate, a mentalhealth professional.Monitor staff wellbeingMonitor staff wellbeing and respond when necessary at regular intervals.School staff should be encouraged to put their own wellbeing first and to askfor respite or a change of responsibilities if required. The school’s return to anormal routine relies on a level of positive mental health in staff and this mustbe promoted and protected in transparent ways.It is not uncommon for staff to experience levels of guilt about a student’sattempted suicide or suicide. With hindsight it is possible to read signsin a student’s behaviours that were not seen at the time. Debriefs are anopportunity to acknowledge this and to encourage staff to talk with appropriateprofessionals about their feelings.In some circumstances, additional social workers in the school can help managethe load placed on existing staff responding to parent, staff and student needs.Keep school community informed via noticesEnsure that parents/guardians and the school community are advised of anysignificant events or changes to the school’s routine because of a suicide (orattempted suicide). In this early stage notices may address:• funeral arrangements and consent requirements (if any)• changes to previously planned activities or excursions and timetables• availability of additional counselling services in the school• changes to attendance, sign in/sign out procedures and planned buildingchanges.Guidelines to assist in responding to attempted suicide or suicide by a student29