Suicide Prevention

The Home’s approach to suicide prevention extends beyond clinical intervention. We are committed to building a culture across our organization in which every employee—regardless of their role, education or background—is equipped to recognize warning signs, respond with compassion and connect youth to appropriate support. Through comprehensive training in suicide risk assessment, intervention and response, we empower staff to play an active role in protecting the lives of the young people we serve.

To further strengthen this commitment, The Home has launched a Zero Suicide Taskforce, bringing together leaders and staff from across the organization to advance a comprehensive, system-wide approach to suicide prevention. Guided by the principles of the Zero Suicide framework, the taskforce is working to enhance policies, clinical practices, workforce development and quality improvement efforts to ensure suicide prevention is embedded throughout every level of care.

TRAINING OFFERINGS

Assessing Suicide and Self-Injury

This full-day training is primarily for clinicians working with youth and families who experience suicidality and self-injury, but all are welcome to attend. The goal of this training is to equip participants with the tools and skills necessary to talk with someone about their suicidality and non-suicidal self-injury. Participants will also explore reasons for living and social connections to create person-centered safety plans for clients considering suicide, and effective interventions to support someone with managing the distress that can cause self-injury. Participants will learn about the Cultural Theory and Model of Suicide, as well as Zero Suicide’s approach to suicide care. Sessions will focus on skills practice and role plays in break-out rooms, with feedback and coaching from the instructors.

From Burdensome to Belonging: Using Permanency Tools to Treat Suicidality in LGBTQ+ Youth

This workshop explores the impact of permanency-focused family therapy in treating and reducing a youth’s suicidality, with a focus on LGBTQ+ youth. Suicidal factors of thwarted belonging and burdensomeness can be especially present in LGBTQ+ youth. Through the lens of Joyner’s Interpersonal Theory of Suicide, this workshop investigates the impact of community in mitigating risk for LGBTQ+ youth. At the end of this workshop, participants will have a broader understanding of the ways in which community and a family’s natural supports can impact both youth and caregiver well-being. Participants will leave the workshop with tools to empower families in building a strong network of support, contributing to the reduction of suicidal risk factors for LGBTQ+ youth.