NEW YORK: New York Probation Offices Screening Youth for Suicide Risk
September 06, 2019
A program in upstate New York is working to prevent suicide among youth in the juvenile justice system. Developed by Columbia University researchers, the program aims to address suicide among youth 17 and younger in probation departments. Participating departments screen youth for suicide risk and connect them with mental health services as needed. For example, youth who screen as highest risk see a mental health professional right away for an assessment, and those at second highest risk see a medical provider within 72 hours. It is common for youth in the juvenile justice system to have mental health needs, such as depression and anxiety, and limited access to resources, said Gail Wasserman, co-director of the Columbia University Center for the Promotion of Mental Health in Juvenile Justice.
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