Garfield Re-2 Policies

JLDBA

Suicide Prevention
 

The Board of Education recognizes that the incidence of adolescent suicide is on the rise and that suicide is a major killer of young people between the ages of 15 and 24.  Therefore, the Board directs the superintendent to initiate and continue appropriate awareness and prevention programs in the district.

 

The school staff, students, and parents/guardians can contribute significantly toward the prevention of adolescent suicide.  Therefore, the district shall consider each of these segments of the school community when developing its programs.

 

Since the necessary professional expertise to carry out such programs may not be adequately available within the school system, the Board also directs the superintendent to identify local mental health agencies and others able to provide necessary assistance.  The superintendent shall establish a continuing cooperative relationship with them in this effort.

 

The Board directs that the programs developed include information that shall help the school staff, parents/guardians, and students to:

 

1. Understand the developmental stages of adolescence.

 

2. Understand how feelings of depression and despair can lead to suicide.

 

3. Recognize the early warning signs of suicide.

 

4. Learn how to help in a suicidal crisis.

 

5. Identify community resources where teenagers can get help.

 

6. Address the impact of such a tragedy.

 

Adopted: November 27, 2007

 

LEGAL REF.:    C.R.S. 22-60.5-110 (3)(b) (professional development for license renewal may include programs concerning awareness and prevention of suicide)

 

Garfield School District No. Re-2, Rifle, Colorado