School Districts Resources
School Districts must work with community partners (emergency managers, fire/rescue, law enforcement & businesses) to prevent, prepare, respond & recover in suicide potential events or losses.
The Nebraska State Legislators implemented additional requirements beginning in school year 2023-24, all public-school employees who interact with students and any other appropriate personnel, as determined by the school superintendent, shall receive at least one hour of behavioral and mental health training with a focus on suicide awareness and prevention training each year.
The training shall be provided within the framework of existing in-service training programs offered by the State Department of Education or as part of required professional development activities.
The list of approved trainings by the NDE.
As well, here is the Overview of Suicide/Mental Health Awareness Training Options
School Districts have access to learn more about suicide prevention and protective factors found in the Nebraska School Suicide Prevention Resource Guide. There are many links and resources within the guide to assist school communities.
Toolkits to Help School Districts
Toolkit for Risk Assessment Screening: This four-page document provides an overview of factors that schools should consider when developing suicide risk screening procedures. Summaries of current related suicide screening research and recommendations from professional organizations are included.
Toolkit for Postvention Recovery After a Suicide Death in the School Community A suicide death can have a profound short and long-term impact on the school. This toolkit provides tools for proactive planning, so the district is prepared to immediately and effectively manage the crisis.
Toolkit for Supporting Students During Re-entry After a Suicide Related Incident: This is a collection of resources to assist schools in providing targeted support for students re-entering school after a suicide attempt or related absence since there is an elevated suicide risk during the initial weeks after their return.
Psychological First Aid for Schools PFA-S Toolkit PFA-S trains school staff and equips them with effective crisis response strategies for incidents including a death by suicide. The toolkit contains valuable resources to equip the district’s PFA-S/Crisis Team so they are prepared to respond quickly and effectively during the crisis and provide continued support.
Toolbox for Student Assistance
The Student Toolbox has information and resources to be better prepared to find support for a student or a student finding it for themselves. It is meant for middle and high school students.
Procedures to Address Suicide Concerns
Prevention Policies and Procedures Having district policies and procedures in place can help ensure consistency within the district in creating a proactive suicide prevention environment, immediately intervening when suicidal concerns are evident, and providing short-term and long-term support following a suicide death. This handbook provides national and Nebraska based resources and examples to assist districts in creating effective policies to address suicide concerns.
Self-Assessment – Policies/Procedures for Addressing Suicide Concerns: This checklist is a planning tool for determining the status of critical suicide prevention policy and procedures within the school district. Upon completing the checklist, school personnel can establish priorities and determine next steps to promote a consistent and effective comprehensive plan.
Additional Resources to Support Schools After a Suicide Death
The Dougy Center: National Grief Support Center for Children and Adults provides a wealth of resources for both immediate and longterm support for the school community impacted by a suicide death.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network works to improve access to services for traumatized children, their families and communities throughout the United States. Information related to the trauma of suicide are included in their extensive resources.