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SLIDE # 1: My Professional Perspective        

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SLIDE # 1: My Professional Perspective        

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For this project, I am taking the prospective of an elementary school counselor. Undoubtedly, suicide is a crucial issue that must be recognized and dealt with in schools. The goal of this presentation is to help educate other school counselors, educators, and even possibly parents of suicidal students.

I chose this topic in order to prepare and educate myself and others facing students struggling with suicidal thoughts/actions. Intervention and awareness are essential in these circumstances, making it crucial to bring light to a very heavy topic.

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Counselor's Corner / Home (neisd.net)

Interview Summary
Nancy Asher is a
counselor at Northwood Elementary, located in San Antonio, Texas, within the Northeast Independent School District. Nancy and I worked together for two years and are still good friends to this day. She was a major influence in my decision to become a school counselor, and I found true value in her experience and advice on working with suicidal students. Nancy informed me of the weight she holds as a counselor when it comes to working with these vulnerable students. She expressed the cruciality of taking the topic seriously and making zero exceptions. It is the school counselor’s duty to ensure the safety of a suicidal student and follow the district and state policies/laws pertaining to suicide.

Why The Topic of Suicide is Significant in Education
Nancy has been a school counselor for almost 20 years. Over this time, she has experienced multiple elementary students struggling with suicidal behaviors. I found this information surprising because I tend to think older students are the ones most at-risk of suicide. Most of the suicidal students Nancy has worked with were fifth graders; however, she did work with a Kindergartener that had an alarming plan to commit suicide. This student caught Nancy off-guard with his descriptive plan to run in front of a moving vehicle. She went on to state that majority of the students she has worked with were in the middle of an ugly custody battle, and all the others had dealt with trauma at one time or another. This information was eye opening, especially in times where divorce is more common than people staying married. As a future counselor, I will most likely work with students in the middle of divorce. It is vital to be aware of negative situations my students are going through, ask questions, and make it a priority to check-in on these students. Furthermore, in Northeast ISD, if any student makes a suicidal threat, in any form (even a joking manner), the suicide protocol is followed. Once the counselor is aware of the student’s suicidal threat or behaviors (this information can come from the counselor’s first-hand experience or from anyone involved with the student), the student cannot be left alone under any circumstances. Parents are contacted immediately to pick up their child and come sign papers stating they are aware of the threat. Police are involved and the counselor must continue to follow-up with the student and parents. In fact, if the counselor or teacher feels that the parents are belittling or ignoring the suicidal threat, Child Protective Services is called. Finally, the counselor must have release forms signed allowing involvement with the student’s treatment plan. The release forms give the counselor permission to work with the student’s outside therapists or possible treatment center. Most importantly, the counselor continues to foster a relationship with the student and parents.

Three Best Practices
* Nancy recommended spending alone time with the suicidal student in a safe and nurturing place. She reminded me it is important to handle suicidal students case by case, which means investigating the threat and not taking any information lightly. According to Nancy, taking the student outside on a walk in fresh air helps the child relax. She also made an excellent point that students will share more information when they are side-by-side to you verses face-to-face.

* Secondly, helping students open their thinking and move outside of themselves will often help the situation. For example, directing students to compassion and bringing up the way their parents and best friend would feel if they committed suicide. Children’s brains are underdeveloped and unable to understand that suicide is permanent. Suicidal students are so focused on themselves and their pain that they have most likely not thought about the repercussions and pain they would cause loved ones. Although suicide is not an enjoyable topic to educate students on, it is important to help these students understand what comes from suicide and what it truly means.

* Finally, Nancy feels that parent conversations are crucial. She explained how important it is to also educate the parents, as some may be unaware of what they are dealing with and how to handle the suicidal behaviors/threat. Informing the parents of helpful treatment avenues, in school and out of school resources, and simply letting the parents know you are available can make a huge difference.

EMERGING ISSUE ON THIS TOPIC:
Nancy and I discussed the effects Covid-19 has had on children and teens, and she is extremely concerned for the mental health of today’s youth, especially the students forced to engage solely in remote learning. In fact, this past year, Northeast ISD’s suicide numbers more than doubled. Sadly, there were seven suicides within the district, proving the last year was traumatic for many. Furthermore, Nancy feels it will be interesting yet alarming to witness the impact lack of schooling will have on future learners. Additionally, many families have lost their business and are financially struggling. This issue goes much deeper than education. It goes as deep as starvation, homelessness, abuse, joblessness, and even trauma. Most likely, students of all ages can feel the weight the last year has had on their parents, their friends, and themselves. As a future counselor, I have no doubt I will witness first-hand the effects the pandemic has had on our nation’s youth.

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*Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention Guide by TEA

REFERENCE: Texas Education Agency. (2021). Retrieved from
Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention | Texas Education Agency

* Preventing Suicide: A Technical Package of Policy, Programs, and Practices by the CDC

REFERENCE:
Stone, D.M., Holland, K.M., Bartholow, B., Crosby, A.E., Davis, S., and Wilkins, N. (2017). Preventing Suicide: A Technical Package of Policies, Programs, and Practices. Atlanta, GA: National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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At least 8 states this year have passed laws related to youth suicide prevention | K-12 Dive

*Suicide is the second leading cause of death between ages 10-34.
*Schools are a prime spot for intervention, prevention, and education on suicide.
*In 2018, 10 bills were enacted to provide suicide prevention in schools.
*Funding for suicide prevention in schools is growing and a heavily trending topic.
*Privacy issues may arise when dealing with students' mental health. It is important gain parental consent of those younger than 18.

REFERENCE:

Vercelletto, C. (2018). At least 8 states this year have passed laws related to youth suicide prevention. K-12 Dive. Retrieved from https://www.k12dive.com/news/at-least-8-states-this-year-have-passed-laws-related-to-youth-suicide-prevention/532835/

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To what extent are districts, schools liable for students' safety? | K-12 Dive

*Legal issues in schools surrounding student safety are on the rise, raising questions  as to whether the school is liable for certain student injuries or deaths.
*Legal cases and allegations vary causing this situation not to be viewed as a "one size fits all" topic.
*After the Sandy Hook school shooting, parents of two children that were killed, sued the  Newton Board of Education stating that the lockdown protocol was insufficient.
*According to the court case Scarlett Lewis, et al. v. Newtown Board of Education and Town of Newtown, school officials can have similar protection to police officers in emergency circumstances.
*Schools can be liable for sexual assault but this varies case-by-case and state-by-state.
*Cyberbullying is fairly new, but schools are legally required to intervene if aware of bullying.
*Recently, universities and schools are becoming more responsible for student suicide, especially if they do not intervene by informing the parents.

REFERENCE:

Campisi, J. (2019). To what extent are districts, schools liable for students' safety? K-12 Dive. Retrieved from https://www.k12dive.com/news/to-what-extent-are-districts-scools-liable-for-students-safety/547823/

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42 U.S.C § 9501.

Bill of Rights

*This law protects American citizens' right to mental health care if necessary.
*Each person has the right to an individual plan for mental health treatment.

42 U.S. Code § 9501 - Bill of Rights | U.S. Code | US Law | LII / Legal Information Institute (cornell.edu)

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Vacco v. Quill, 521 U.S. 793 (1997)

*In the landmark court case Vacco v. Quill (1997), the Supreme Court of the United States concluded that assisted suicide was not a protected right under the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment (U.S. Const. Amend. XIV).
*This court case ruled that the Constitution does not give people the "right to die."

Vacco v. Quill - Case Summary and Case Brief (legaldictionary.net)

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Tex. Educ. Code §

37.115(a)

*This states that schools must have a threat assessment team that follows policies and procedures dealing with critical situations such as suicidal students.
*The team is responsible for implementing safety protocols that follow TEA guidelines.

EDUCATION CODE CHAPTER 37. DISCIPLINE; LAW AND ORDER (texas.gov)

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Tex. Admin. Code §380.9187

*This rule deals with identification, assessment, policies, treatment, and safety of youth in high restriction facilities that may be at risk for suicide.
*School counselors must be educated on outside treatment facilities to educate parents of suicidal students when necessary.
Texas Administrative Code (state.tx.us)

GAP.380.9188, Suicide Alert for High Restriction Facilities (texas.gov)

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The resource below explains San Angelo ISD's crisis intervention protocol and strategies for the Threat Assessment Team according to the Texas Education Code.

REFERENCE:
San Angelo ISD. (2020).

FFB(legal) - student welfare: crisis intervention. Retrieved from STUDENT WELFARE: CRISIS INTERVENTION - FFB(LEGAL)-P - San Angelo ISD (tasb.org)

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According to section A.9 of the ASCA ethical standards (Serious and Foreseeable Harm to Self and Others), school counselors must a. "report threats of self-harm to parents/guardians" (ASCA, p. 4, 2016).

Parent communication is necessary as a school counselor in general, but when working with suicidal students, parent-communication can become a legal issue if guidelines are not followed. The parents have a right to know about their child's mental health and school activities (Tex. Educ. Code § 26.008), and the school counselor must obtain consent for intervention (Tex. Educ. Code § 26.009). If parents refuse necessary treatment for their child, it is considered neglect and is to be reported (Tex. Educ. Code § 26.0091).
Caselaw: Cases and Codes - FindLaw Caselaw

REFERENCE:
American School Counselor Association. (2016). ASCA ethical standards for school counselors. Retrieved from Ethical-Standards.pdf (schoolcounselor.org)

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Although I have not personally struggled with suicidal thoughts, I dealt with the suicide of two loved ones growing up. Because I have seen the repercussions of suicide first hand, I do feel it has added to my reasons for becoming a school counselor. I am passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of people, and I feel I can attain this goal through my career. The laws and ethical standards rightfully hold school counselors and educators accountable when dealing with time-sensitive situations such a suicide. Learning about these specific standards has impacted my career path because I recognize the need to be aware and "read between the lines" as a school counselor.  After interviewing Nancy and researching the laws pertaining to school counselors and suicidal students, I found Administrative Law the most informative for this scenario. In fact, each district has its own suicide protocol, but the policies are based off TEA guidelines. I have found three mandatory legal steps to professionally and personally understanding how to handle suicidal students as a school counselor: know the ethical standards from the American School Counseling Association, understand the original sources of law relating to suicide, and memorize your specific district's suicide protocol.

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Slide # 13: Best Practices for Educators & School Counselors 

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Slide # 13: Best Practices for Educators & School Counselors 

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*School counselors must take preventative measures in schools over the topic of suicide. This includes educating staff on warning signs.
Tex. Educ. Code § 21.451 reveals that professional development is required for all
educators over suicide prevention, bullying, grief & trauma, and mental
health/substance abuse recognition.

*According to Tex. Educ. Code § 37.115(a), those chosen to be on the threat assessment team
in schools must complete specific evidence-based training over threat
assessment programs. Additionally, they must report all school data and
information regarding suicidal students to TEA.

*Educating students on suicide warnings and risk
factors is a major part of taking preventative action. However, it is important
the content is age-appropriate. Tex. Educ. Code § 28.002(a)(1); 19
TAC 74.1(a)(1)

*Digital citizenship and cyberbullying are to be
part of school's curriculum. Unfortunately, many students are cyber bullied,
leading to suicide.
Tex. Educ. Code § 28.002(a)(2), (e); 19 TAC 74.1(a)(2)

*Communication with parents of suicidal students
is imperative. In fact, educating parents on available resources and programs
for mental health is part of counselor's role. Additionally, reporting suicidal
behavior to parents is mandatory. Tex. Educ. Code § 28.004

*For children younger than 18, parental consent
must be obtained by a school counselor to provide any mental health services. Tex. Educ. Code § 37.115(c)–(g)

*Under Tex. Educ. Code § 33.005, the school counselor is to implement a comprehensive school counseling
program. The ASCA model states that the program should cover academic, career,
and social/emotional support (ABA Degree Programs, 2021). What is
a Comprehensive School Counseling Program? – ABA Degree Programs

*School counselors have a duty to report suicidal
behavior to the parents, teacher, and administration. Each school district has
a suicide/crisis response team and protocol that must be strictly followed.

*Play therapy is a useful tool that can help
school counselors work intimately with children, without them feeling pressure
to divulge information or share feelings. (Trice-Black & Morgan, 2013)
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/272911687_Play_Therapy_in_School_Counseling

*Finally, walking side by side amidst fresh air
with the struggling student can allow for fluent communication and relaxation.
If a relationship is not built with the suicidal student, none of the practices
will work.