Universal Screening Parent Information Session Powerpoint Presentation

(Content Only) 

Title Slide: 

  • Universal Screening Information Session

  • Date

Slide 2: 

  • Who is Supporting The Screening?

    • The Columbia -Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is a universal screening process proven to assess risk and prevent teen suicide 

    • Partnering with county mental health professionals 

    • Led by [Names of who is conducting the screening]

      • Focusing on our high school students 

Slide 3:

  • Why Schools? Why Us? 

    • Schools have access and opportunity to systematically assess risk and save lives 

    • [Names of schools in your district] have the leadership and organization to implement 

    • [Your county name] is experiencing an increase in suicide-related incidents 

    • A universal screening process may become a part of our health and resilience priorities, integral to our suicide prevention efforts 

Slide 4: 

  • What is a Screening Program?

    • The Columbia - Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) is a few questions about suicidal thoughts and behavior that empower us to find people who are at risk and prevent tragedies before they happen. It tells who needs a next step, and provides recommendations for support for the student and family. Questions include:

      • Have you wished you were dead or wished you could go to sleep and not wake up? 

      • Do you have a trusted adult in your life that you can turn to for support? 

Slide 5:

  • It’s a Three Level Process

    • Level 1: During class, students will be asked to privately answer a questionnaire that takes approximately 3 minutes 

    • Level 2: Based on students' answers, those possibly at risk will be invited to meet with a screener who is a qualified mental health professional for assessment 

    • Level 3: Based on the screener's assessment, it's possible some students will be referred to an intake center for support and services 

Slide 6: 

  • Does talking about it give people the idea? 

    • Studies show asking does not suggest suicide, or make it more likely. 

    • Open discussion is more likely to be experienced as relief than intrusion. 

    • Simply asking the questions is a positive action. 

    • When asked how they're doing, it signals that someone cares about them. 

    • The simple action of asking promotes connectedness - a critical protective factor against suicide and violence. 

Slide 7: 

  • What are Your Next Steps?

    • Principals will email you exactly when your student may participate in the screening process over the next three weeks in [month the screening will take place]. 

    • Parents-guardians may opt out using this form (will copy in the chat) if you do not want your child to participate in the assessment