C425 – STUDENT SUICIDE PREVENTION AND AWARENESS

The School Board recognizes that that suicide is one of the leading causes of death for Indiana youth. This policy is meant to increase child suicide awareness and prevention. The School Board believes there must be a partnership between families, the community, and the School Corporation.

To that end, the School Corporation cooperates with the larger community including suicide prevention services. Information regarding such suicide prevention services located in our community can be found on the district website: https://ftcsc.org/student-services/suicide-prevention/. 

Further, information regarding crisis intervention referrals is available to students, parents, and School Corporation employees.  This information can be found on the district website and at each school: https://franklinschoolcorp.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/Mental-Health-Resource-List.pdf. 

The School Corporation provides counseling services for students and families related to suicide prevention.  Students, parents, or employees should contact their school building’s counselor and/or the District Mental Health Specialist to assess and arrange for counseling services provided by the District or by a community organization.

The School Corporation recognizes the relationship between suicide and drug and alcohol use. The plan, training, and any other program authorized under this policy shall increase awareness of this correlation.

The School Corporation shall provide evidence-based training to School Corporation employees consistent with Indiana law.  The training, utilized through Frontline Solutions, addresses warning signs and tendencies that may evidence a student is considering suicide as well as district procedures regarding how to respond.

Consistent with Indiana law, the Superintendent or his/her designee shall develop a plan to assist survivors of attempted suicide and to assist students and School Corporation employees to cope with a completed suicide or attempted suicide. The Superintendent or his/her designee may develop any other program or activity appropriate to increase awareness and prevention of child suicide.

I.C. 20-26-5-34.4

I.C. 20-26-3-6

Adopted: 2/15/19

Revised: 1/9/23