Suicide Prevention Information

AUSD'S Suicide Prevention Policy

In the fall of 2017, AUSD adopted a new policy on suicide prevention.

The policy was adopted in response to Assembly Bill 2246, which mandates that the governing board of all school districts that serve students in grades seven to twelve adopt a policy and guidelines on student suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. The bill further required that districts need to develop such plans together with suicide prevention experts, parent/guardians, student advocates, and school mental health professionals.

The Policy

AUSD's new policy asserts that AUSD:

• Believes that maintaining a safe environment for students is part of a school’s overall mission,
• Recognizes that physical, behavioral, and emotional health is an integral component of a student’s educational outcomes,
• Recognizes that suicide is a leading cause of death among young people,
• Has an ethical responsibility to take a proactive approach to preventing deaths by suicide, and
• Acknowledges the school’s role in providing an environment that is sensitive to individual and societal factors that place youth at greater risk for suicide and one which helps to foster positive youth development.

In 2017-18, AUSD staff received professional development on suicide prevention and vulnerable students from Seneca Family of Agencies. Principals also received training in Youth Mental Health First Aid.

AUSD's work on suicide prevention is part of its larger-scale focus on student social-emotional health, including Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS), and restorative practices. 

Other Resources

• Suicide Prevention Resource Center: Materials for Students 12 and Younger
• Suicide Prevention Lifeline
• Crisis Support Services of Alameda County
• American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
• HelpGuide: Suicide Prevention Resources
• Let's Talk! Alameda
• Talking to Adolescents about Death
• Children, Teens, and Suicide Loss

DYK? Facts About Suicide

• Suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth and young adults aged 10 to 24 years (CDC).
• The number one person a student will turn to for helping a suicidal friend is a teacher (Jason Foundation).
• The 2015-17 CA Healthy Kids Survey found that 16% of 9th graders and 16% of 11th graders in California have considered suicide. (CHKS).
• In Alameda, 14% of 9th graders and 13% of 11th  graders  have considered suicide (CHKS).
•  25% of California 9th graders and 32% of 11th graders said they had chronic feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the last 12 months (CHKS).
• Four out of five youth who attempt suicide show clear warning signs (Jason Foundation).
• Risk factors for youth suicide include isolation, depression, being LGBTQ, and substance abuse (CDC).