Legal & Ethical Guide - Suicide by https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4 Amanda Gibbs - EDG 6305 en-us 2021-07-15 18:51:53 UTC 2022-02-24 01:44:49 UTC hello@padlet.com Slide #1 Professional Perspective/Audience/Topic amandaraebush https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651508777 My professional perspective is that of a future school counselor with experience teaching elementary and high school students. The intended audience for this Padlet is future/current school counselors. The topic of suicide was chosen because suicide rates among adolescents are steadily rising (Curtin, 2020).

References
Curtin, S. (2020). State suicide rates among adolescents and young adults aged 10–24: United States, 2000–2018. National Vital Statistics Reports, 69(11), 1-9. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr69/nvsr-69-11-508.pdf]]> 2021-07-15 18:52:50 UTC https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651508777 Slide #2 Interview amandaraebush https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651508933 Suicide is such an important topic in the field of school counseling because school counselors are often the first line of offense and defense (H. Pavlu, personal communication, July 7, 2021). School counselors most often head up the prevention programs and are the first to hear a student’s suicidal thoughts (H. Pavlu, personal communication, July 7, 2021). The impact of this topic is large as school counselors deal with suicide risks very often in their work (H. Pavlu, personal communication, July 7, 2021).

The best practices for dealing with suicide as a counselor include having an effective prevention and awareness program, having a suicide risk assessment protocol, and involving parents and guardians in the safety of their child (H. Pavlu, personal communication, July 7, 2021).

An emerging issue is the glorification of suicide to teens (H. Pavlu, personal communication, July 7, 2021). For example, a recent Netflix show, 13 Reasons Why, showed how much attention and love the teen got after committing suicide (H. Pavlu, personal communication, July 7, 2021). Educators need to be on the lookout for future shows or movies like this in order to be aware what shows are influencing the students (H. Pavlu, personal communication, July 7, 2021). School counselors need to be aware of these types of shows so they can prepare ways to mitigate risks associated with watching (H. Pavlu, personal communication, July 7, 2021).

Interviewee: 
Heather Pavlu
School Counselor
Schulenburg Elementary

]]> 2021-07-15 18:53:02 UTC https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651508933 Slide #3 Professional Association amandaraebush https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651509046 Link: https://schoolcounselor.org/Standards-Positions/Position-Statements/ASCA-Position-Statements/The-School-Counselor-and-Suicide-Risk-Assessment

Summary: This resource gives a summary of what the school counselor’s role is in suicide risk assessment. The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) gives guidance in this post, detailing that school counselors are responsible for following and improving district protocols, always contacting parents and guardians without negating risk, and serving on a collaborative team (ASCA, 2020). The ASCA also provides resources for best practices in prevention including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, American School Counselor Association, National Association of School Psychologists, and The Trevor Project (ASCA, 2020).

Reference

American School Counselor Association. (2020). The school counselor and suicide risk assessment. https://schoolcounselor.org/Standards-Positions/Position-Statements/ASCA-Position-Statements/The-School-Counselor-and-Suicide-Risk-Assessment


]]> 2021-07-15 18:53:13 UTC https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651509046 Slide #4 Current News Article amandaraebush https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651509255 Link: https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/federal-appeals-court-lets-lawsuit-proceed-against-educators-in-students-suicide/2020/12

Summary: 
  • An elementary student committed suicide after being bullied at school. This news article shows the importance of taking bullying seriously in the school environment. It informs educators of the relationship between bullying and suicide incidents and the possible ramifications of unreported bullying. 
  • The accused administrators in this case failed to help a student being bullied nor did they properly report the bullying to his parents (Walsh, 2020). The administrators argued that the suicide was not foreseeable; yet another decision in the same court,  Tumminello v. Father Ryan High School (2017), decided that self-harm or suicide could be foreseeable if the school did not take action concerning a bullying case (Walsh, 2020).

Reference
Walsh, M. (2020). Federal appeals court lets lawsuit proceed against educators in student's suicide. EducationWeek. https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/federal-appeals-court-lets-lawsuit-proceed-against-educators-in-students-suicide/2020/12
]]> 2021-07-15 18:53:32 UTC https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651509255 Slide #5 Current News Article amandaraebush https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651509361 Link: https://www.k12dive.com/news/at-least-8-states-this-year-have-passed-laws-related-to-youth-suicide-preve/532835/

Summary: 
  • Eight states introduced laws related to youth suicide prevention in 2018 (Vercelletto, 2018). 
  • Colorado was one of these states and also pushed for 12-year-olds to be able to receive counseling without parental consent (Vercelletto, 2018).
  • Privacy issues are a concern but administrators should do what is best to keep students safe (Vercelletto, 2018).
  • Overall, it is increasingly common for states to require a suicide prevention program (Vercelletto, 2018). 

Reference
Vercelletto, C. (2018). At least 8 states this year have passed laws related to youth suicide prevention. K-12 Dive. https://www.k12dive.com/news/at-least-8-states-this-year-have-passed-laws-related-to-youth-suicide-preve/532835/
]]> 2021-07-15 18:53:41 UTC https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651509361 Slide #6 Original Source of Law amandaraebush https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651509673 Source of law: Constitutional law

Link: https://www.senate.gov/civics/constitution_item/constitution.htm#amdt_14_(1868)

  • The fourteenth amendment details that no one can be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process (U.S. Const. Amend. IVX).
  • The fourteenth amendment pertains to this topic because schools may face lawsuits in which they are accused of negligence or not preventing the suicide. 
  • Educators have a right to the due process clause under the circumstance that a state-created danger is being faced (Cafaro, 2000).

Reference
Cafaro, C. S., (2000). Student suicides and school system liability. School Law Bulletin.
U.S. Const. Amend. IVX


]]> 2021-07-15 18:54:09 UTC https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651509673 Slide #7 Original Source of Law amandaraebush https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651509845 Source of law: Statutory law

Link: https://uscode.house.gov/view.xhtml?req=granuleid:USC-prelim-title20-section7118&num=0&edition=prelim

  • Schools receiving funding shall use part of the funds received from the state to implement programs that support a safe and healthy environment for students (20 USC § 7118(D)).
  • Among other programs, high-quality staff training concerning suicide prevention is recommended as a potential use of these funds (20 USC § 7118(D)).

Reference
Activities to support safe and healthy students, (20 USC § 7118(D)).
]]> 2021-07-15 18:54:25 UTC https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651509845 Slide #8 Original Source of Law amandaraebush https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651510104 Source of law: Judicial law

Link: https://law.justia.com/cases/illinois/court-of-appeals-third-appellate-district/1997/3960485.html

  • In Grant v. Board of Trustees of Valley View School District (1997), a student's suicidal thoughts and drug use were reported to the school counselor, who informed the parent and recommended that the student be seen for his drug abuse.
  • The parent claimed that she was not informed of the suicidal ideations but the case was dismissed based on the Tort Immunity Act (Grant v. Board of Trustees of Valley View School District, 1997).

Reference
Grant v. Board of Trustees of Valley View School District (1997).
]]> 2021-07-15 18:54:51 UTC https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651510104 Slide #9 Original Source of Law amandaraebush https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651510211 Source of law: Administrative law

Link: https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/ch074a.pdf

  • The Texas Administrative Code details required curriculum which must include enrichment curriculum (19 TAC §74.1).
  • Suicide prevention instruction, including the recognition of risk factors and warning signs, is required under the enrichment curriculum (19 TAC §74.1).

Reference
Essential Knowledge and Skills, 19. Tex. Admin. Code § 74.1

]]> 2021-07-15 18:55:01 UTC https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651510211 Slide #10 Local Administrative Law/Policy/Rule amandaraebush https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651510367 Link: https://www.lisdtx.org/cms/lib/TX02215761/Centricity/Domain/93/LISD%20Suicide%20Protocol%2017-18%20updated.docx

Lampasas ISD policy is to follow the linked Suicide Crisis Protocol. The protocol includes a checklist to determine risk level, an interview template with script, a parent/guardian emergency conference notice, a student safety plan, and a list of counseling resources (Lampasas ISD, 2017).

Reference
Lampasas ISD. (2017). Lampasas Independent School District suicide crisis protocol. https://www.lisdtx.org/cms/lib/TX02215761/Centricity/Domain/93/LISD%20Suicide%20Protocol%2017-18%20updated.docx
]]> 2021-07-15 18:55:17 UTC https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651510367 Slide #11 Ethical Principle amandaraebush https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651510472 Link: https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/f041cbd0-7004-47a5-ba01-3a5d657c6743/Ethical-Standards.pdf

A.9a of the ASCA Ethical Standards states that counselors need to inform parents/guardians, and authorities when appropriate, if a student poses a serious risk to others or themselves (ASCA, 2016). Even if the student seems low risk, parents must be notified (ASCA, 2016).

Reference
ASCA. (2016). ASCA ethical standards for school counselors. https://www.schoolcounselor.org/getmedia/f041cbd0-7004-47a5-ba01-3a5d657c6743/Ethical-Standards.pdf]]> 2021-07-15 18:55:27 UTC https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651510472 Slide #12 Personal Connection to the Legal and Ethical Standards amandaraebush https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651510689 The legal and ethical standards associated with suicide prevention allowed me to learn about suicide and suicide prevention during my high school education. Some states are just now requiring suicide prevention programs, while Texas has for a decade. I was able to go through high school without having any close friends commit suicide and with more awareness of it as an issue affecting teens.]]> 2021-07-15 18:55:45 UTC https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651510689 Slide #13 Bulleted list of Recommendations / Best Practices for Compliance amandaraebush https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651510788
  • Have a clear protocol for students at risk of suicide.
  • Take all tips or threats seriously.
  • Always inform parents/guardians of any risk of suicide for their student.
  • Attend professional development to remain informed on best practices.
  • The district must host training for staff on suicide prevention and recognition.
  • Provide students with suicide prevention instruction.


    • ]]>     2021-07-15 18:55:54 UTC https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651510788     References amandaraebush https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651728464 Activities to support safe and healthy students, (20 USC § 7118(D)).

    American School Counselor Association. (2020). The school counselor and suicide risk assessment. https://schoolcounselor.org/Standards-Positions/Position-Statements/ASCA-Position-Statements/The-School-Counselor-and-Suicide-Risk-Assessment


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

    Cafaro, C. S., (2000). Student suicides and school system liability. School Law Bulletin.

    Curtin, S. (2020). State suicide rates among adolescents and young adults aged 10–24: United States, 2000–2018. National Vital Statistics Reports, 69(11), 1-9. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr69/nvsr-69-11-508.pdf

    Essential Knowledge and Skills, 19. Tex. Admin. Code § 74.1

    Grant v. Board of Trustees of Valley View School District (1997).

    Lampasas ISD. (2017). Lampasas Independent School District suicide crisis protocol. https://www.lisdtx.org/cms/lib/TX02215761/Centricity/Domain/93/LISD%20Suicide%20Protocol%2017-18%20updated.docx

    U.S. Const. Amend. IVX

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

    Walsh, M. (2020). Federal appeals court lets lawsuit proceed against educators in student's suicide. EducationWeek. https://www.edweek.org/policy-politics/federal-appeals-court-lets-lawsuit-proceed-against-educators-in-students-suicide/2020/12
    ]]>     2021-07-16 00:14:49 UTC https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/1651728464     amandaraebush https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/2063687960 2022-02-24 01:44:41 UTC https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/2063687960 amandaraebush https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/2063688114 2022-02-24 01:44:49 UTC https://padlet.com/amandaraebush/sxuovla2eeqjywe4/wish/2063688114