NCJ Number
101475
Date Published
1985
Length
106 pages
Annotation
Statements and testimony before the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Juvenile Justice concern the prevalence of juvenile suicides and Federal programs and research to address the problem.
Abstract
Testimony by the Assistant Secretary for Human Development Services of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that suicide among persons aged 15 to 24 has risen from 4.1 per 100,000 in the 1950's to 12.5 per 100,000 in 1980. She describes Federal efforts to counter the problem -- funding for shelters to prevent juvenile suicides, dissemination of prevention information, research, and the first national conference on youth suicide. Testimony by representatives of the National Institute of Mental Health describe the institute's research on juvenile suicide. Currently funded research focuses on the biological factors associated with violent behavior/suicide and epidemiological studies. Major issues in risk-factor research are reviewed, and future research directions are proposed. Testimony by a representative of the American Association of Suicidology recommends school suicide prevention programs and gun control. A representative of the National Committee for Youth Suicide Prevention discusses State laws to facilitate juvenile suicide prevention. Appended statements and suicide prevention materials.