NORTHFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION FILE CODE: 5141.6
Northfield, New Jersey
Policy
STUDENT SUICIDE
The Northfield Board of Education recognizes that depression and self-destruction are problems among children and adolescents. A student suffering depression cannot benefit fully from the educational program and may pose a threat to him/herself or others.
Authority
The board directs all school personnel to be alert to the student who exhibits signs of unusual depression or who threatens or attempts suicide. Any such signs or the report of such signs from another student or staff member should be taken with the utmost seriousness and should be reported immediately to the building principal, who shall notify a member of the crisis intervention team, which is comprised of middle school guidance counselor, middle school nurse, school social worker and school psychologist. An immediate assessment by the crisis intervention team will determine the severity of the crisis and level of suicide risk. If the team assesses that the student requires professional intervention, the parents/guardians will be notified and a referral may be made to the appropriate psychiatric treatment facility.
Adopted: No Date
NJSBA Review/Update: November 2009; December 2010
Readopted: October 24, 2011
Key Words
Suicide, Prevention, Crisis, Intervention
Cross References: *4131/4131.1 Staff Development; Inservice Education
*5142 Pupil Safety
*6164.2 Guidance Services
*6164.4 Child Study Team
*Indicates policy is included in the Critical Policy Reference Manual.