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

IntroductionDealing with the tragic loss ofa member of your communitythrough suicide is one of themost difficult issues a schoolcan face.- Quote from a PrincipalSchool leaders, counsellors,wellbeing staff and chaplainsfrom all sectors need to shareinformation and resources andwork together to support thewhole community.- Quote from a PrincipalA student’s attempted suicide or suicide is a traumatic event for any schoolcommunity.This document is designed to assist school staff in responding to attemptedsuicide or suicide by a student and provides a checklist of the immediate andlonger term steps that should be taken by school staff.The guidelines should be seen as a resource which complements schools’ effortsto promote positive mental health and that supports and reflects schools’ criticalincident management processes. The guidelines are supported by considerableinformation and a policy context that provides school support structures forvulnerable students.The guidelines do acknowledge the risk of suicide contagion and so encouragesthe proactive sharing of appropriate information between schools (regardlessof sector), regions, mental health agencies, local social services agencies, faithorganizations and school communities.The guidelines should be read in sequence and school leaders and emergencyresponse teams should re-familiarise themselves with the information in theguidelines as soon as they are aware of a suicide or attempted suicide.Relevant legislative and legal obligations have been highlighted in the followingsection.4Introduction