Model 1 - Opt-In Process
Model 1 reflects an Opt-In approach to universal screening in schools. Opt-in means that students gave their consent to participate in the universal screening prior to being asked any assessment questions.
Steps to Model 1:
Gather Planning Team: Coordinate with all school staff (e.g. administration, teachers counselors) to determine the dates for the universal screenings. Strategize with school staff who will be in charge of screening students, completing documentation, and notifying parents/guardians. Determine what accommodations will be needed so that students can leave class in order to complete the assessment and screening process.
Map out Tier 1, 2, and 3 supports that safety planners can use depending on student risk level.
Tier 1 - Low risk: After completing the Columbia assessment tool (access the Columbia here), if a student is determined to be low risk, engage in a strengths-based discussion with the student about their coping strategies and help them identify trusted adults they can talk to if their thoughts of suicide increase in frequency or severity. Encourage the student to engage in individual therapy services. Have a list of providers ready to give to the student.
Tier 2 - Moderate Risk: After completing the Columbia assessment tool (access the Columbia here), if a student is determined to be at moderate risk, complete the safety plan (access the YouthSAVE safety plan here) with the student. Discuss with the student limits to confidentiality and strategize a game plan with the student about breaking confidentiality. Contact the legal guardian and disclose the risk assessment and review the safety plan with the legal guardian. Get a confirmation that both the student and caregiver know how to make the living environment safe and confirm when they will complete the agreed-upon action items (e.g. removing all sharps; locking up all medication; removing firearms). Encourage the student to engage in individual therapy services. Have a list of providers ready to give to the student. Plan a follow-up with the student and caregiver to re-assess risk and edit the safety plan if needed.
Tier 3 - High Risk: After completing the Columbia assessment tool (access the Columbia here), if a student is determined to be at moderate risk, complete the safety plan (access the YouthSAVE safety plan here) with the student. Contact crisis services and the legal guardian immediately to engage in wrap-around services. If the student is in immediate danger, call 911 or send them to the local emergency room.
Gather digital and physical copies of the screening tool and safety plan tool (access screening and safety planning tools here).
Determine where the screenings will occur. Confirm the location will be confidential and accessible during the day of screening.
Assess legal considerations and relevant laws for your setting and ensure your plan abides by these rules and guidelines.
Work with school staff to estimate the likely number of positive screens to secure the number of staff needed for response. This can be determined through counselor and teacher reports.
Send out parent notification letters one week prior to the universal screening.
Identify screeners, and make sure all screeners are trained in administering the screening assessment tool and safety plan tool.
Confirm documentation requirements and determine how screeners and safety plans will be securely stored. Confirm who will have access to these forms.