California is implementing a new California State Law into effect this upcoming 2017-2018 school year. The following information is directly quoted from the California Legislature and the link to this article has been provided.
This new law will allow teachers and administrators the education and resources to better recognize suicidal tendancies and warning signs.
Section 1 of the article AB2246 states:
- According to the latest 2013 data from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is the second leading cause of death for youth and young adults in America 10 to 24 years of age, inclusive.
- As children and teens spend a significant amount of their young lives in school, the personnel who interact with them on a daily basis are in a prime position to recognize the warning signs of suicide and make the appropriate referrals for help.
- In a national survey conducted by the Jason Foundation, the number one person whom a pupil would turn to for helping a friend who might be suicidal, was a teacher. It is imperative that when a young person comes to a teacher for help, the teacher has the knowledge, tools, and resources to respond.
- There are national hotlines available to help adults and youth experiencing suicidal ideation, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and the Trevor Project, respectively.
- A model policy on suicide prevention created in consultation with suicide prevention experts and other stakeholders is available through the Trevor Project for adoption or adaptation, or both, by the State Department of Education and local educational agencies.
California Legislative Information – Assembly Bill No. 2246 Chapter 642
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