Working with Suicidal Students by Tara Furr https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af A Legal & Ethical Guide for Professional School Counselors en-us 2021-11-29 18:44:02 UTC 2021-11-30 20:14:10 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f5d2.png Legal Guide Topic & Reasoning tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1918829809 This legal guide will be addressing working with suicidal students. It will cover laws in place, best practices and strategies for counselors, ethical standards regarding the topic, and how school counselors can support teachers and staff. I choose this particular topic for a few reasons. One, a student in my district recently committed suicide and it ratteled our community. It's also an issue that has been heightened due to the pandemic. Secondly, while this is a topic no one hopes to come in contact with, I feel any school counselor could very well have to deal with suicide at some point during their role as a counselor, so being fully prepared on all aspects reagrding sucidial students is critical for when the time comes.]]> 2021-11-29 19:38:33 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1918829809 Intended Audience tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1918926721 The intended audience for this legal guide is primarily for professional school counselors. Specific elements of it could also be extended to other staff and classroom teachers to support these students as well.]]> 2021-11-29 20:29:52 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1918926721 Perspective & Field of Study tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1918936288 The perspective for this legal guide is from a professional school counselor.]]> 2021-11-29 20:35:25 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1918936288 Summary tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1918947808 Simply put, AAS is an organization built on promoting the understanding and prevention of suicide.  Its members include mental health professionals, researchers, school districts, volunteers, crisis centers, survivors of suicide, suicide attemptees, and more (American Association of Suicidology, 2019). This particular resource is a great "go-to" for parents, and school counselors to have to give to parents. It focuses on the power that social media plays in young lives and gives parents tools to help naviagte those tough conversations.]]> 2021-11-29 20:42:13 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1918947808 Suicide and Social Media Tipsheet for Parents and Providers from the American Association of Suicidology tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1918949251 2021-11-29 20:43:07 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1918949251 Reference tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1918952866 American Association of Suicidology. (2019). Suicide and Social Media: A tipsheet for parents and providers. American Association of Suicidology. Retrieved November 20, 2021, from https://suicidology.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/SUICIDE-SOCIAL-MEDIA.pdf. ]]> 2021-11-29 20:45:12 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1918952866 Relationships, Resources must become a focus in learning to address mental health crisis tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1918991192 2021-11-29 21:09:57 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1918991192 Article Summary tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1918994461
  • What was once the "3 R's of School" (reading, writing, & arithmetic) is now becoming the "5 R's", with the addition of relationships and resources, due to student needs of mental health responses brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • A national mental health emergency has been recently declared by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
  • Due to a year and a half of isolation for many, stress, possible trauma, and grief, the effects on students has been overwhelming and alarming.
  • Educators across the nation are putting more focus and attention on SEL in schools.
  • Schools and districts are attempting to screen more for mental health warning signs (depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety) and develop comprehensive ways to monitor and support students mental health needs.

    • (Gish, 2021)
    ]]>     2021-11-29 21:12:01 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1918994461     Reference tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1918994801 Gish, J. W. (2021, November 10). Relationships, resources must become a focus in learning to address mental health crisis. K-12 Dive. Retrieved November 13, 2021, from https://www.k12dive.com/news/relationships-resources-must-become-a-focus-in-learning-to-address-mental/609766/. ]]> 2021-11-29 21:12:17 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1918994801 Big Rise in Suicide Attempts by U.S. Teen Girls During Pandemic tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919048854 2021-11-29 21:54:23 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919048854 Article Summary tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919049103
  • ER visits for attempted suicide attempts in girls ages 12-17 increased 26% during summer 2020, and 50% during winter 2021, when compared to the same times in the previous year.
  • ER attempts for boys remained around the same.
  • This data reinforces the need for increased attention to, and prevention for, this specific population.
  • One of the most alarming findings in the last 30 years of research on mood disorders is that disturbances in our social rhythms significantly increase the risk, even predict, the development of major depressive episodes.
  • This further explains and supports the critical need for mental health interventions and support for all youth today.
    • (Thompson, 2021)
    ]]>     2021-11-29 21:54:36 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919049103     Reference tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919051950 Thompson, D. (2021, June 11). Big rise in suicide attempts by U.S. teen girls during pandemic. U.S. News. Retrieved November 11, 2021, from https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2021-06-11/big-rise-in-suicide-attempts-by-us-teen-girls-during-pandemic. ]]> 2021-11-29 21:56:45 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919051950 ASCA Ethical Standards for School Counselors tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919079122 2021-11-29 22:20:11 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919079122 Reference tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919080294 American School Counselor Association. (2016). Ethical standards for school counselors. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/f041cbd0-7004-47a5-ba01-3a5d657c6743/Ethical-Standards.pdf]]> 2021-11-29 22:21:12 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919080294 Ethical Principle tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919081018 Section A of ASCA's Ethical Standards for School Counselors outlines the school counselor's responsibility to students. 
    Section A.9. outlines the school counselors roles and responsibilities when it comes to serious and foreseeable harm to self and others.

    Section A.9.a states school counselors should 
    1. Inform parents/guardians and/or appropriate authorities when a student poses a serious and foreseeable risk of harm to self or others. The consequence of the risk of not giving parents/guardians a chance to intervene on behalf of their child is too great. Even if the danger appears relatively remote, parents should be notified.
    (ASCA, 2016).

    School counselors have to know the ethical ways to handle suicidal students, keeping their safety top priority.
    ]]>     2021-11-29 22:21:53 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919081018     42 U.S. Code § 290bb–36a - Suicide Prevention for Youth tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919304069 2021-11-30 01:31:36 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919304069 Reference tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919310420 42 USC § 290bb-36a]]> 2021-11-30 01:35:24 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919310420 Law Summary tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919323103
  • This section of the US Code centers specifically around early suicide interventions and prevention strategies.
  • It outlines where funding for non-profits and organizations come from.
  • Code 42 also outlines how coordination will work with the relevant Department of Health and Human Services agencies and suicide working groups.
  • Requirements for how public organizations, private nonprofit organizations, etc. will run are also given in the code.
    • (42 USC § 290bb-36a).
    ]]>     2021-11-30 01:43:26 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919323103     tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919479039 As a future school counselor, I feel this topic, of knowing how to work with suicidal students, is completely necessary and relevant. Especially in today's post pandemic climate, youth today are experiencing more stress, anxiety, and depression, which can lead to suicidal thoughts. If school counselors are not knowledgable on this topic and ready to help, they can literally put student's lives in jeopardy.]]> 2021-11-30 03:21:00 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919479039 tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919496835 Best Educational Practices: 
    School Counselors need to...

    1. Maintain up to date training on suicide trends and warning signs.

    2. Be and stay knowledgeable about the resources available and have them readily available to implement and/or distribute to teachers, staff, students, and parents.

    3. Be able and willing to educate students, staff, colleagues and parents on recognizing warning signs/symptoms for suicidal behavior in youth.

    4. Feel comfortable in referring students who demonstrate signs of suicidal thoughts to local community agencies.

    5. Always deliberate and consult with other appropriate professionals regarding appropriate next steps.

    6. Not release a student who is a danger to self or others until the student has proper and necessary support. 

    ]]>     2021-11-30 03:32:54 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919496835     TEC 19 153.1013-Suicide Prevention Training tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919504654 2021-11-30 03:38:17 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919504654 Law Summary tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919504883
  • Each school year, school districts and open-enrollment charter schools shall provide suicide prevention training as required by the TEC, §21.451(d), to all new school district and open-enrollment charter school educators as a part of new employee orientation.
  • Also to all current employed educators.
  • School districts must maintain records of those employees participating in the suicide prevention training.
    • (19 TAC § 153.1013)
    ]]>     2021-11-30 03:38:27 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919504883     Reference tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919506668 19 Tex. Admin. Code § 153.1013]]> 2021-11-30 03:39:32 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1919506668 Policy Summary tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1920463908 In compliance with TEA, NISD schools will develop practices and procedures concerning mental health promotion and intervention, and suicide prevention, that:
    • Include a procedure for providing educational material to all parents and families in the district that contains information on identifying risk factors, accessing resources for treatment or support provided on and off campus, and accessing available student accommodations provided on campus.
    This policy was selected to show the schools in NISD do have practices, procedures, and strategies ready and in place to help serve our students in need.
    (Northwest ISD Student Handbook Code of Conduct, 2021-2022).
    ]]>     2021-11-30 14:13:24 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1920463908     NISD 2021-2022 Handbook tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1920505799 2021-11-30 14:28:16 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1920505799 Reference tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1920517156 Northwest ISD. (2021, August 24). 2021 - 2022 student handbook code of conduct -. 2021 - 2022 Student Handbook Code of Conduct. Retrieved November 12, 2021, from https://www.nisdtx.org/common/pages/DisplayFile.aspx?itemId=25591488. ]]> 2021-11-30 14:32:14 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1920517156 Interview Summary tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1920839817 The focus of the interview with Mr. Aldridge was centered around the topic of suicide; working with suicidal students as a counselor, best practices, and how this issue impacts his field of work as a professional school counselor. 

    I learned a great deal from the interview. When asked why suicide is such an important topic, he stated because suicide, specifically in youth, is a very scary topic but one that could happen to any counselor, at any school. Counselors have a crucial window of opportunity to handle students thinking about suicide and need to be ready. 

    Best ways to be ready and best practices for counseling suicidal students:
    1. Be as knowledgeable as you can on sucidial trends, research and warning signs.
    2. Educate classroom teachers on warning signs as well as on procedures when they suspect a student might be suicidal.
    3. Be educated on ethical standards for school counselors when dealing with suicidal students. What to do and what not to do.

    An emerging issue he noted was the sheer number of attempts and acutal suicides since the pandemic. He mentioned hearing about suicide more often during pre-pandemic years. Watching trends as life hopefully gets back to normal will be interesting. 

    This trend has impacted his field of work in that now, more than ever, the need for SEL in the classrooms is needed like never before. Professional school counselors need to be the "go-to" resources for providing this on school campuses.
    (A. Aldridge, personal communication, November 2, 2021). 

    ]]>     2021-11-30 16:29:27 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1920839817     Interviewee tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1920842604 Adam Aldridge
    Counselor, Pike Middle School]]>     2021-11-30 16:30:35 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1920842604     Nguyen v. MIT, 96 N.E.3d 128 tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1920994019 2021-11-30 17:29:17 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1920994019 Law Summary tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1920994539
  •  Dzung Duy Nguyen, the father of the suicide victim, brought a wrongful death action against Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), MIT professors Birger Wernerfelt and Drazen Prelec, and MIT assistant dean David W. Randall for the on-campus suicide on his son.
  • The student had history of attempted suicides, notified his program director, was referred to MIT's student disability services, where he was offered academic accommadtions but declined because he did not want to be labeled. He was then referred to MIT's mental health services, where he attened two sessions with a psychologist and ended up rejecting MIT-based mental health services as well.
  • Between 2006 and 2009, Mr. Nguyen was treated by nine mental health professionals with psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy. Over many suicide assessments, he was not considered imminently suicidal and was not overtly self-destructive.
  • The student ultimately took his life and the court concluded that the duty to intervene, by protecting a student from self-harm, presumes actual knowledge that a student's suicide attempt occurred while enrolled or just prior to matriculation, or if a student had stated suicidal intent. 
    • ]]>     2021-11-30 17:29:30 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1920994539     Reference tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1920995149 Nguyen v. MIT, 96 N.E.3d 128 ]]> 2021-11-30 17:29:46 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1920995149 Article 7-The Texas Constitution tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1921103939 2021-11-30 18:18:02 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1921103939 Reference tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1921104986 Tex. Const. art. 7]]> 2021-11-30 18:18:31 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1921104986 Law Summary tfurr629 https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1921110695
  • Article 7 of the Texas Constitution addresses education in the state of Texas.
  • It outlines laws that the Texas Education Agency and local independent school disctricts must adhere to.
    • ]]>     2021-11-30 18:21:04 UTC https://padlet.com/tfurr629/9a4bm59rqfddt6af/wish/1921110695