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Strategies for school-based response to loss: proactive training and postvention consultation
J Grossman1, J Hirsch, D Goldenberg
1Institute for Juvenile Research, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, USA.
Crisis
|January 1, 1995
Summary
This study details the first year of a school-based postvention program, Responding to Loss (RTL), designed to help schools manage the crisis of student suicide. The program shows significant improvements in staff knowledge and skills for adolescent suicide prevention.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Psychiatry
- Prevention Science
Background:
- School suicide is a critical crisis requiring structured intervention.
- Existing approaches may not adequately address the complexities of adolescent suicide aftermath.
- There is a need for comprehensive, school-based postvention programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the implementation and initial evaluation of the Responding to Loss (RTL) program.
- To provide an interdisciplinary model for school-based postvention.
- To highlight key organizational and collaborative aspects of the program.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a school-based postvention program (RTL).
- Integration of public health, epidemiological, and psychiatric paradigms.
- Development of a computerized school database and proactive training for crisis personnel.
- Collaboration with medical examiners and coroners.
Main Results:
- Significant gains in participants' knowledge and skills regarding suicide postvention.
- High rates of consumer satisfaction with the RTL program.
- Demonstrated effectiveness in addressing adolescent suicide in an urban school setting.
Conclusions:
- The RTL program offers a comprehensive, interdisciplinary model for school-based postvention.
- Effective postvention requires systematic school entry, training, and collaboration.
- The program shows promise in improving responses to adolescent suicide, particularly in at-risk groups.