Page 9 - Guidance for Children’s Services Early Help and Children’s Social Care :: Portus

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Assessing Suicide Risk Training

If you feel that the child or young person is at risk Social care teams are recommended to regularly
of suicide, then it is necessary to understand the access training on Mental Health First Aid, self-harm
seriousness and immediacy of the risk. Depression, and suicide prevention as well as reading relevant
hopelessness and continuing suicidal thoughts are literature including this resource and pathway.
known to be associated with high risk.
If the child or young person talks about killing
themselves always take this seriously as many people
who die by suicide have previously told a professional
about their intention.

The following warning signs suggest that the risk is
high:
• Current self-harm, especially if it poses a risk to the
child or young person’s health and wellbeing.
• Self-harming behaviour is characterised by using a
variety of harming methods
• Thoughts of suicide are frequent and not easily
dismissed.
• A specific plan to die by suicide.
• Access to the means to die by suicide (for example,
stockpiling tablets).
• Significant drug or alcohol abuse.
• A situation felt to be causing hopelessness,
unbearable pain, or distress.
• Previous, especially recent, suicide attempt.

• Evidence of current mental illness.
SUPPORTING STAFF
• Limited protective factors that may prevent them
from attempting suicide or harming themselves, Children’s services staff providing support to children
for example, being socially isolated, poor and young people who self-harm or are suicidal may
relationships with parents/carers etc. experience a range of intense emotions as a result; it
is helpful for staff to have an opportunity to talk this
• No support mechanisms when distressed.
through with mental health professionals and line-
• Not accepting help from family and friends managers through supervision.

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