Connecticut (CT) Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) and United Way of Connecticut invite Connecticut School staff to participate in an online training supporting youth suicide prevention.
The Suicide Prevention in Elementary-Age Youth training provides an introduction to developmental considerations in suicide prevention for young children. It offers an overview of the current state of research, including evidence-based and promising practices shown to be effective with elementary-age youth. The training also supports adults in understanding how social-emotional learning (SEL) and life-skill development practices can contribute to suicide prevention across a child’s lifetime.
In addition, the training introduces tested interventions for identifying and supporting young children who may be at risk for suicide. Topics include screening tools, safety planning practices tailored for young youth, and language considerations for discussing suicide in developmentally appropriate ways.
Facilitated work time is included to help organizations identify strategies for more effectively incorporating suicide prevention practices into their daily work with elementary-age youth.
Objectives:
- Identify best practices for promoting mental health and well-being in elementary-age youth
- Explore emerging research and evidence-based approaches to suicide prevention in elementary-age youth
- Understand developmental considerations related to mental health, suicide prevention, and intervention with young children
All Connecticut-based school staff and other youth serving organizations may register for the sponsored event individually.
Shawna Hite-Jones, Senior Manager of Prevention Initiatives, works with state, community, and K12 systems to implement comprehensive approaches to suicide prevention. Shawna has over 15 years of experience in implementing suicide prevention initiatives at the local, state, and national level.
Michelle Majeres, senior prevention specialist and behavioral health expert, has over 20 years of experience providing high-quality training and technical assistance (T/TA) in substance misuse prevention, suicide prevention, and mental health promotion.