NCJ Number
119231
Date Published
1989
Length
64 pages
Annotation
This analysis of the extent, causes, and prevention of youth suicide in Connecticut concludes that the State needs a comprehensive, coordinated prevention model that includes community awareness, primary prevention, strategies for youth at risk and youth at high risk of suicide, and postvention efforts.
Abstract
The recommended effort emphasizes that no one strategy can effectively address youth suicide by itself. Thus, it targets all four major environments in a child's life: the family, the school, the peers, and the community. The Task Force recommending this effort found that suicide results from a complex set of factors. Risk factors include depression, the suicide of a family member, high stress, mental illness, and feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness over one's life. Some risk factors can be reduced through primary prevention programs, while others require specialized programming. Connecticut has a small number of scattered services for the prevention and treatment of suicide. The available information from these services clearly shows that they are needed. In addition, a comprehensive system of services must be started to reduce the incidence of suicide in Connecticut. Tables, appended information about risk factors and warning signs, and materials from other States.