Legal & Ethical Guide: Suicidal Ideation Prevention by Marisol Nichols https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s en-us 2022-06-05 17:22:37 UTC 2025-11-15 03:12:59 UTC hello@padlet.com Audience: mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248842128 The intended audience for this resource are CFBISD professional school counselors in PK-12 or crisis counselors responsible for rendering school counseling services to potential suicidal students. ]]> 2022-07-24 19:58:19 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248842128 Perspective: mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248843642 The formation of this resource was developed through the professional school counselor perspective for use in PK-12 CFBISD schools.]]> 2022-07-24 20:06:19 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248843642 Legal Guide Topic: mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248848307 Early detection and prevention of suicidal ideation after the onset of bullying.]]> 2022-07-24 20:33:27 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248848307 mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248852960 The American School Counselor Association addresses in their monthly magazine the topic of suicidal risk assessment responsibilities placed on school counselors. School counselors know they cannot accurately assess suicide risk and recognize they aren’t equipped to determine a student’s level of suicide risk. The article states that implying so is unethical and elevates their skills above medical professionals, who declare in large numbers the danger and inaccuracy of classifying a person for suicide. If the medical professionals are questioning suicide risk assessments as untrustworthy, by reasonable extension, those who require school counselors to assess a student’s suicide potential do so at the risk of liability.

Reference: 
Stone, C. (2021, July 1). Suicide assessments: The medical profession affirms school counselors' truth. American School Counselor Association. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/Magazines/July-August-2021/Suicide-Assessments-The-Medical-Professional-Affir]]> 2022-07-24 21:05:09 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248852960 Importance: mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248862947 The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2017) reported that, as of 2017, suicide was the second most common cause of death for children and young adults ages 10-24, claiming nearly as many lives as most illnesses combined. This rate has been on a steady increase since 1999. 

Additionally, there is often a common link between bullying and suicide. Kids that are bullied can become depressed and contemplate suicide. Stories about bullied students taking their own lives are too numerous to ignore. When kids who are at risk for suicide because of depression or other mental health issues are bullied, the results can be disastrous. 

Although school counselors work to identify behavioral and social/emotional signs of suicide risk among their students and ensure prevention methods are in place, they are not equipped to assess suicidal risk accurately. They must take proper legal and ethical steps to avoid potential liabilities. School counseling professionals owe it to themselves, their district, their students, and parents to get their response to suicidal ideation right. Often there are no second chances.]]> 2022-07-24 22:06:51 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248862947 Best Practices mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248862981 CFBISD best practices for suicidal ideation (SI) after the onset of bullying in a school district include the following:  
  • The district is legally required to train all staff regarding suicide prevention each year. 
  • School Counselors utilize the "Duty to Warn" document in which a parent signs their awareness of their child's SI or threat.  It also outlines responsibilities.  Parents should be asked to sign the document each time there is an instance of SI.  If they refuse to do so, it should be documented. If a parent does not want to sign, it is best to try to verbally share the information and document the date and time it was done. 
  • Keep in mind school districts are not allowed to keep a child from attending school if a parent does not take them for a mental health evaluation, but if it appears that a parent is being negligent and a child is at risk, CPS is notified. 
  • Taking the child with SI immediately to the counselor who ensures the child's safety and asks a set of questions to determine if the child has a plan, time frame or the means to carry out a plan, keeping the child supervised while the parent is contacted.
  • Helping the parent obtain a psychological evaluation for the child if needed, and safety planning with the child and sharing that plan with the family.
  • There is continued follow-up with the student. 
  • Partnering with parents is an important part of the support offered and suicide ideation, because it poses a risk to the minor, is one of the exceptions to confidentiality.   
  • School counselors, even if professionally licensed, do not serve as therapists. 
  • Complete the Violence Intervention document to ensure that all steps are followed.
  • Utilize Texas School Procedures policies for best practices related to suicide.
]]> 2022-07-24 22:07:04 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248862981 Emerging Issue: mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248863168 An emerging issue that educators should watch to see how it plays out and impacts our work, is that of cyberbullying. David's Law has changed the way cyberbullying is handled and students have the right not to be bullied on social media. This is a fairly new issue in education and continues to evolve as students continue to interact more and more through socia media.

]]> 2022-07-24 22:08:05 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248863168 Interview with Lyn Torres mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248864290 Jocelyn "Lyn" Torres is the Coordinator of Mental Health & Behavior Services for the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District. In her interview, she discusses the district's action steps in addressing suicidal ideation prevention after the onset of bullying and its impact on school counseling, best practices, and emerging issues.]]> 2022-07-24 22:13:26 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248864290 mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248894172
  •  Become familiar with district policy, especially changes to the policy concerning bullying prevention and interventions and suicidal ideation prevention and interventions.
  • Continuously refer to Texas Administrative and Educational Code to remain legally and ethically in compliance with school counseling standards and guidelines.
  • Schools are acting responsibly when they have suicide and bullying prevention and intervention plans in place with regular in-services to prepare all educators – teachers, administrators, security guards, cafeteria employees, custodians, bus drivers, secretaries, paraprofessionals and student services staff – of the appropriate procedures for referring suicidal students for help.
  • Start prevention early. Bullying begins at an age before many of the warning signs of suicide are evident. Intervening in bullying among younger students, and assessing both bullies and victims of bullying for risk factors associated with suicide, may have significant benefits as children enter the developmental stage when suicide risk begins to rise.
  • Keep up with technology. Bullying often takes place in areas hidden from adult supervision. Cyberspace has become such an area. At the same time, students may also use social media and new technologies to express suicidal thoughts that they are unwilling to share with their parents and other adults. 
  • Pay special attention to the needs of LGBTQ youth and young people who do not conform to gender expectations. These youth are at increased risk for both bullying victimization and suicidal behavior. It is essential to respond to the needs of these students, especially the need for an environment in which they feel safe, not just from physical harm but from intolerance and assaults upon their emotional well-being.
  • In isolation, an assessment is simply what the student chooses to reveal. Students often hide the truth or vacillate about whether to reveal the truth to the adults in their lives. There are many reasons why a student may deny self-harm. 
  • Never conclude students weren’t in danger simply because they said they are fine. The common-sense approach would be to dismiss all self-reports denying harm as untrustworthy. Avoid trying to reach conclusions through questioning from an assessment; instead, gather all the information you can to pass to a student’s parents/guardians. 
  • School counselors must always contact parents and refer them to appropriate resources that will allow them to seek help for their child.
  • School counselors must always contact parents and refer them to appropriate resources that will allow them to seek help for their child. Confidentiality is trumped when weighed against the death of a child. Calling parents upholds school counselors’ most significant obligation to students: above all do no harm.
    • ]]>     2022-07-25 00:08:58 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248894172     Sweep bullying under the rug' no more: Child's death set to bring changes to Cincinnati schools, could be a lesson for other cities mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248909700 Summary:
    Gabriel Taye, a third grader, was bullied repeatedly at school before taking his own life in 2017. The city Board of Education is considering a settlement that could pay the family $3 million and bring changes to combat bullying in the school district. This article is relevant to the topic as it further details the legal and financial liabilities that schools and districts could face if proper steps are not taken. Furthermore, it brings to light the very real problem that school counselors could face in helping SI students due to bullying.

    Reference:
    Bacon, J., Coolidge, S., & Grasha, K. (2021, June 6). Sweep bullying under the rug' no more: Child's death set to bring changes to Cincinnati schools, could be a lesson for other cities. USA Today.]]>     2022-07-25 00:39:41 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248909700     10-year-old Utah Black and autistic student dies by suicide weeks after scathing DOJ report on school district mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248916847 Summary:
    Isabella "Izzy" Tichenor, a 10-year-old Black and autistic student in Utah, died by suicide after allegedly being bullied by classmates, and school staff ignored her family's complaints. According to the child's parents, they voiced their concerns with the teacher and administration; however, they felt unheard. This article is relevant to the topic as it further details the legal and financial liabilities that schools and districts could face if proper steps are not taken. Furthermore, it brings to light the very real problem that school counselors could face in helping SI students due to bullying.

    Reference:
    Joseph, E. (2021, November 13). 10-year-old Utah Black and autistic student dies by suicide weeks after scathing DOJ report on school district. Cable News Network (CNN).]]>     2022-07-25 00:53:30 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248916847     Notice of Parent and Student Rights – Bullying, Sexual Harassment, and Dating Violence mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248930472 The district strives to prevent bullying, in accordance with the district’s policies, by promoting a respectful school climate; encouraging reporting of bullying incidents, including anonymous reporting; and investigating and addressing reported bullying incidents. Bullying occurs when
    there is a single significant act or a pattern of acts by one or more students directed at another student that exploits an imbalance of power and involves engaging in written or verbal expression, expression through electronic means, or physical conduct that occurs on school property, at a school-sponsored or school-related activity, or in a vehicle operated by the district.

    The district’s board of trustees or the board’s designee determines that the behavior is bullying if it:
    • Has the effect or will have the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’s person or damage to
      the student’s property
    • Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for a student;
    • Materially and substantially disrupts the educational process or the orderly operation of a classroom or school; or
    • Infringes on the rights of the victim at school. 
    ]]>     2022-07-25 01:18:15 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248930472     Carrollton-Farmers Branch Student & Parent Handbook mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248935830 Page 10 of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Student & Parent Handbook addresses the district's policy for Suicide Prevention, Intervention, and Postvention (intervention following a suicide in the community): 

    The district provides a comprehensive protocol for suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention as part of responsive services, including the following components:

    • Annual suicide prevention training for all staff members
    • Interview with appropriate grade level research-based questions for any student with thoughts of suicide
    • Safety Plan of Action
    • Consultation with parent/guardian
    • Resource referral including immediate clinical assessment by community mental health professional if needed
    • Crisis Team Support for any campus encountering a community suicide
    • Follow up 
    ]]>     2022-07-25 01:25:48 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248935830     ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248976176 A.11. Bullying, Harassment, Discrimination, Bias and Hate Incidents

    School counselors:

    d. Report all incidents of bullying, dating violence or harassment to the administration, recognizing these behaviors may fall under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 or other federal and state laws as illegal and require administrator intervention.

    Reference
    American School Counselor Association. (2016). ASCA ethical standards for school counselors. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/f041cbd0-7004-47a5-ba01-3a5d657c6743/Ethical-Standards.pdf 
    ]]>     2022-07-25 02:08:27 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248976176     Connection to Topic: mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248980223
    Standards A.9 (d) and A.11 (d) of the ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors (2016) is relevant to the topic because they both explicitly state that school counselors have an ethical obligation to report suicidal ideation and bullying incidents. Failure to report could result in further liabilities for the school counselor, school, and district.]]>     2022-07-25 02:15:15 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248980223     ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248982184 A.9. Serious and Foreseeable Harm to Self and Others

    School counselors:
     
    a. Inform parents/guardians and school administration when 
    a student poses a serious and foreseeable risk of harm to 
    self or others. This notification is to be done after careful 
    deliberation and consultation with appropriate professionals, 
    such as other school counselors, the school nurse, school 
    psychologist, school social worker, school resource officer or child protective services. Even if the danger appears relatively remote, parents/guardians must be notified. The consequence of the risk of not giving parents/guardians a chance to intervene on behalf of their child is too great.

    Reference
    American School Counselor Association. (2016). ASCA ethical standards for school counselors. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/f041cbd0-7004-47a5-ba01-3a5d657c6743/Ethical-Standards.pdf 




    ]]>     2022-07-25 02:17:42 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2248982184     mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2249010320 2022-07-25 02:57:42 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2249010320 mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2249012412 2022-07-25 03:00:52 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2249012412 mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2249014156 2022-07-25 03:03:32 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2249014156 mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2249014707 2022-07-25 03:04:21 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2249014707 Texas Education Code § 38.351 (e)(1) mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2249028204 Sec. 38.351.  MENTAL HEALTH PROMOTION AND INTERVENTION, SUBSTANCE ABUSE PREVENTION AND INTERVENTION, AND SUICIDE PREVENTION.

    (e)  The suicide prevention programs on the list provided under Subsection (a) must include components that provide for training school counselors, teachers, nurses, administrators, and other staff, as well as law enforcement officers and social workers who regularly interact with students, to:
         (1)  recognize students at risk of attempting suicide, including students who are or may be the victims of or who engage in bullying;

    Reference:
    Tex. Educ. Code § 38.351 (e)(1)
    https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/SOTWDocs/ED/htm/ED.38.htm]]>     2022-07-25 03:26:51 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2249028204     Mikell v. School Administrative (2009) mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2249035697 In Mikell v. School Administrative (2009), Heidi Mikell, the mother of Joshua Markiewicz, a 7th-grade student at Iber Holmes Gove Middle School in Raymond, N.H., sued for negligence, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and wrongful death. The New Hampshire Supreme Court ruled that school authorities were not liable for the student’s death as they did not have custodial care of the student and that the school counselor was not responsible for the tragic outcome.

    Reference:
    Mikell v. School Administrative (2009)
    https://www.courts.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt471/files/documents/2021-11/mikel068.pdf]]>     2022-07-25 03:41:34 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2249035697     U.S. Const. amend. XIV mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2249045545 U.S. Const. amend. XIV of 1868 states that "no state shall... deny any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." The equal protections afforded by this amendment extend to all U.S. citizens, which laid the groundwork for nondiscrimination, equal opportunities within the educational field, and fair treatment for all students.

    Reference:
    U.S. Const. amend. XIV.
    https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-14/



    ]]>     2022-07-25 03:59:04 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2249045545     mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2249050039 As a school counselor, I feel closely connected to all of the laws and ethical principles presented in this resource. By obtaining knowledge of all four sources of law concerning a school counseling responsibilities for suicidal prevention after the onset of bullying, I have developed a well-rounded view of how to prevent, report, and advocate for such an issue at all levels, local, state, and federal. I have learned that schools do not have an affirmative duty to prevent student suicides; however, courts have found that schools may be legally responsible for a student’s suicide if they: 

    • have created a special danger of suicide, 
    • have not acted reasonably to warn parents of the risk of suicide, or
    • acted recklessly in carrying out their responsibilities to the student
    ]]>     2022-07-25 04:06:47 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2249050039     19 TAC §153.1013 (a) mnichols131 https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2249063860 The Texas Administrative Code 19All school districts and open-enrollment charter schools shall provide suicide prevention training as required by the Texas Education Code (TEC), §21.451(d), to all new school district and open-enrollment charter school educators as a part of new employee orientation during the 2016-2017 school year.

    The administrative law ensures that all public school districts, such as CFBISD, provide suicide prevention training programs to all of their staff. Training such as these is an essential piece of school counseling; many school counselors are responsible for assessing student risk and delivering prevention training at their campuses.

    Reference:
    19 TAC §153.1013 (a)
    https://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.TacPage?sl=R&app=9&p_dir=&p_rloc=&p_tloc=&p_ploc=&pg=1&p_tac=&ti=19&pt=2&ch=153&rl=101]]>     2022-07-25 04:33:31 UTC https://padlet.com/mnichols131/720fztkow8vt8a9s/wish/2249063860