This is the New Employee Notebook. In it, you will find lots of helpful information related to you, our agency, our governing documents, policies and procedures, benefits, retirement, and our many systems used to complete our jobs. It’s a lot of information – and we will go over all of it in more detail during New Employee Orientation (NEO).
Toolkit for Suicide Risk Assessment for School Mental Health Professionals
Nebraska Department of Education School Safety Suicide Prevention & Response Prepared by Kim Jacobson and Sally Carlson 2024
Resource Index
According to the Jason Foundation, “4 out of 5 individuals considering suicide give some sign of their intentions, either verbally or behaviorally.” School procedures followed consistently and with fidelity ensure safety for students, communication with parents, and the needed follow-up support. Having clear and consistent procedures to address potential suicidal behavior immediately can help keep students from falling through the cracks.
Guidance on Suicide Risk Assessment Tools for NE Schools
School Risk Assessment Procedures Flowchart Example
School Suicide Risk Assessment Training Module
SBQ-R (Suicide Behavior Questionaire - Revised) Overview Infographic Administration Guide and Forms SBQ-R Risk Assessment Training Module C-SSRS (Columbia - Suicide Severity Rating Scale) Administration Guide and Forms Columbia Risk Assessment Training Module Additional Columbia Resources School Risk Assessment Data Documentation Documentation Form Example Risk Assessment Recording Example Additional NDE Suicide Prevention Resources Resources for Developing Policies/Procedures Resources for Parents
Screener
A SCREENER PROVIDES JUST ONE PIECE OF INFORMATION THAT SHOULD NEVER BE TAKEN ALONE TO ASSIGN SUICIDE “RISK.”
Rick Factors
Warning Signs
Guidance on Risk Assessment Procedures for Nebraska Schools This four-page document provides an overview of factors that schools should consider when developing suicide risk screening procedures. Summaries of current related suicide screening research and recommendations from professional organizations. are included. This section includes information about the types of evidence-based suicide risk screening tools, with more detailed information about the SBQ-R and Columbia Protocol screeners commonly utilized in Nebraska schools.
Example Flowchart of School Suicide Risk Procedures This is an example of school procedures to address suicide concerns, starting from the point that there is any indication of possible suicidal ideation. Having a consistent process in place ensures immediate and targeted response. The process outlines steps that schools could take to take action to assess risk and effectively respond immediately. The PowerPoint breaks down each of the steps in the flowchart. (Note that parental involvement is included all along the way.)
Suicide Risk Assessment Training Module
This is a training presentation that NDE suicide prevention staff created and shared with school mental health professionals in the fall of 2024, overviewing the suicide risk assessment process, including resources for using the SBQ-R and Columbia Protocol. Click to make your copy, which you can download and edit to meet your needs.
SBQ-R Overview Infographic
SBQ-R (Suicide Behaviors Questionnaire - Revised) Resources These resources provide explanations and training for effectively utilizing the SBQ-R (Suicidal Behavioral Questionnaire- Revised) as part of the school’s suicide risk assessment training process. The SBQ-R form is available on the pubic domain with 4 standard questions. The administration guide was developed as a supplement to help school mental health professionals be consistent and proactive in administering and scoring the SBQ-R.
SBQ-R Administration Guide & Scoring Forms
SBQ-R Staff Training Module
Columbia - C-SSRS (Columbia - Suicide Severity Rating Scale) Resources These resources provide explanations and training for effectively utilizing the Columbia C-SSRS (Columbia -Suicide Severity Rating Scale) as part of the school’s suicide risk assessment training process. Columbia is available for free in the public domain. The administration guide was developed as a supplement to help school mental health professionals be consistent and proactive in administering and scoring Columbia.
Columbia - C-SSRS Administration Guide & Scoring Forms
Columbia Staff Training Module
Site to Access a Wide Range of Columbia Resources
Suicide Risk Assessment
Documentation Tools These documents are examples that can help school staff record and track suicide concerns. Tracking mechanisms may also be available in the school’s student information system platform (such as Synergy, PowerSchool, etc.). It is essential to track all suicide risk interventions to ensure that adequate support is offered and to help prevent students from being overlooked as they change grades, transfer schools, etc. In addition, documenting can help the school identify possible trends that may need to be addressed.
Sample Student Suicide Risk Assessment Documentation Form
Sample Spreadsheet for Recording and Tracking Risk Assessment Actions
Additional NDE Resources
Visit the NDE School Safety Suicide Prevention & Response site for a wide range of resources.
(https://www.education.ne.gov/safety/suicide- prevention/)
The Nebraska School Suicide Prevention Resource Guide is the hub for finding comprehensive state and national resources.
Handbook for Developing School Suicide Policies and Procedures The handbook include steps and resources for developing policies and procedures that should include intentional steps for re-entry support. It includes examples and templates to assist in the process. The PowerPoint and short video cover the key points that can be shared with school administrators and staff involved in creating policies and procedures for the district.
Handbook for Developing School Suicide Policies and Procedures
Procedures Video Overview
Staff Training Module
Resources for Parents
This electronic guide for parents (available in English and Spanish) helps answer tough questions and offers state and national support resources. It is an excellent resource to provide for parents while safety planning for successful re-entry. Schools will often include a link to these resources on their school websites and print the business card size flyers for parents and staff.
Any comments or indications of suicidal ideation need to be taken seriously. Be proactive in administering a screener to help determine steps to support the student. Parents need to be contacted directly and involved in planning and follow-up for every suicidal concern. Screeners may not be appropriate for students who do not understand the concept of death (very young students or those who have low cognitive abilities).
Contact Information
NDE School Safety Suicide Prevention Team Kim Jacobson & Sally Carlson suicideprevention@nebraska.gov www.education.ne.gov/safety/ suicide-prevention/
Jay Martin, School Safety Director jay.martin@nebraska.gov
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker