Suicide Prevention and Response

Suicide Prevention and Response

Suicide is a leading cause of death for children and youth in Colorado. Referrals for hospitalization continue to rise as Colorado has one of the highest rates for suicide in the country. 

Denver Public Schools is dedicated to serving the Whole Child by working to ensure physical and psychological safety in schools. All schools work diligently to provide access to suicide prevention programming and community resources.

As a parent, it’s important to be aware of common warning signs, and to take all concerns seriously. Remember that together, we can prevent suicide! 

What should I do if I have concerns about my child?

It’s important to take all concerns seriously! Listen to your child, and acknowledge how they feel. Let them know you care and seek help from a trained mental health professional.

When risk is imminent, call 911 or transport your child to the nearest emergency room.

If you are worried about another child, you can call 911 or make a Safe2Tell report by calling 1-877-542-7233 or completing the form online.

Teen Message to Parents

What else can I do as a parent?

• Talk with your child about mental health. Be present, listen, and take all concerns seriously. 
• Help your child identify trusted adults that they get help from. Talk to your child about Safe2Tell, and make sure they know how to report concerns at home, school, and in the community. 
• Share information on talk and text lines such as 988, the Colorado Crisis Services, and the Trevor Project that children and youth can access for support. Consider practicing a call with your child. 
• Engage in means restriction by limiting access to things your child can use to harm themselves. This includes increasing supervision and implementing gun safety. Remove any medications that a child could use and overdose.
• Partner with your school’s mental health provider (school psychologist, social worker, counselor, or nurse)  to implement a safety plan for school and home. Use the DPS School Finder to locate your school’s web page and contact information. 
• Ask your school or primary care physician about free or low cost resources in your community. 
• Access referrals provided by emergency services. This could include follow-up with a primary care physician, referral to school-based health center, or a referral for free counseling through Second Wind Fund. 

How does DPS support suicide prevention?

DPS implements annual preventive programming for students:

• Riding the Waves in our 5th grade classrooms
• Signs of Suicide in our 6th and 9th grade classrooms
• More than Sad and It’s Real in 12th grade classrooms 
• Safe2Tell programming in all schools, implementation varies by grade
• Other programming and social-emotional curricula to foster protective factors and promote positive school culture, implementation varies by grade

DPS schools also provide annual training for parents and staff and cultivate community partnerships to support student and family access to affordable and relevant mental health services.

Crisis Support Resources

Safe2Tell Colorado

Safe2Tell Colorado gives YOU a safe, anonymous way to help someone who is struggle or hurting. No one will ask for your name or number. There is no caller ID, no call tracing, no call recording and no call forwarding. Safe2Tell only wants to hear your concern and try to help. To learn more, visit https://safe2tell.org. To make a report, call 1-877-542-7233 from anywhere, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Or download the mobile app:  

Colorado Crisis Services
Call 1-844-493-8255 to connect with a trained crisis counselor or visit one of the walk-in clinics. Most centers are open 24/7 and offer confidential, in-person crisis support, information and referrals to anyone in need. You can also chat online or text “TALK” to 38255.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. You can also chat online.

The Trevor Project
For members of the LGBTQ community, connect with a trained counselor by calling 1-866-488-7386. You can also chat online or text “START” to 678678.

 

Parent Handouts

I am worried About My Child. Where do I Start?

Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, French, Nepali

Russian, Somali, Spanish, Vietnamese

Talking to Your Kids About Suicide

Amharic, Arabic, Burmese, French, Nepali

Russian, Somali, Spanish, Vietnamese

5 Common Myths About Suicide Debunked [National Alliance on Mental Illness]

Preventing Youth Suicide: Tips for Parents and Educators

 

 

Other Related News Stories

Colorado Schools Get Help to Provide Mental Health Resources

Colorado AG Announces Initiative To Stop Youth Suicide

Educa TV 35 Suicide Prevention

Educa TV 35 Prevención del suicidio

Contact Information:

For non-emergency DPS support contact DPS SEO Safety Coordinators at Dr. Jane Lineman @ 303-242-6140.
For emergency support, please contact 911 and the DPS Department of Safety at 720-423-3911