The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education,
also known as desi,
developed the use Suicide awareness and prevention model policy under Missouri
Revised Statute section 1 7 0 0.048.
The model policy serves as a template for districts in developing suicide
prevention policies.
Districts are encouraged to adapt and customize the model policy to best address
and meet the needs of their school community.
Desi collaborated with various organizations with expertise in youth services
and suicide prevention to develop the model policy.
Missouri school districts may adopt the model policy to meet the requirements of
Missouri statute,
which states that each district shall adopt a policy for youth suicide awareness
and prevention,
including plans for how the district will provide for the training and education
of its district. Employees. Each district's policy shall address,
but not be limited to strategies that can help identify students who are at
possible risk of suicide strategies and protocols for helping students at
possible risk of suicide and protocols for responding to a death by suicide.
The model policy outlines key protocols and procedures for districts and
educating employees and students on the actions and resources necessary to
prevent suicide and to promote student wellbeing.
The model policy includes components such as developing a district level and
if practical, building level crisis response team,
crisis response procedures, procedures for parent involvement,
community resources available to students, parents, patrons,
and employees guidelines on response to a suicidal behavior or death
by suicide in the school community.
Information on suicide prevention and response protocol, education for staff,
information on suicide prevention, education for students, best practice,
recommendations for students attending virtually,
and how and where to notify employees, parents, and guardians of the policy.
In addition,
there are several go-to resources specific to training or professional
development,
how to choose evidence informed suicide prevention programs and resources for
drafting and customizing your district policy and definitions of key terms.
In accordance with Missouri statute at least every three years,
Desi must seek feedback from districts on their experience with the model
policy, and make revisions as appropriate.
We would encourage you to review the document with key personnel in your school
and examine your district or school's existing policy to ensure it covers all
key components of the model policy.