Hope Squad

Hope Squad

Program Type

Education or Training Program

Cost

$1,001 to $2,500

Evidence Type

Community-Defined Evidence, Empirically-Defined Evidence

SPRC Comprehensive Approach

Identify and Assist, Increase Help-Seeking, Care Transition/Linkages, Life Skills and Resilience, Connectedness

Program or Intervention Summary

Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer, school-based program built around the power of connection that aims to reduce youth suicide risk through education, training, community partnerships, and cultural change. Program outcomes include a reduction of youth suicide and stigma surrounding mental health challenges, increased referrals to (or solicitation of help) parents or other trusted adults, and improvement of mental health knowledge, skills, and self-efficacy of Hope Squad members.

First implemented in 2004 at Timpview High School in Provo, Utah, Hope Squads are now in over 1,600 schools in the United States and Canada. The program has been successfully implemented in elementary schools (grades 4-6), middle schools (grades 6-8) and high schools (grades 9-12). The program closely partners with schools, communities, and mental health agencies to change the public conversation about suicide and mental health.

Teams of 8-10 students per grade, called Hope Squads, are nominated by their peers, trained, and overseen by school staff dedicated to the program. Hope Squad members receive extensive training in QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), suicide warning signs, peer outreach, and self-care. They identify and respond to peers in need, then provide warm hand-offs to school staff and local mental health agencies. Hope Squad members also coordinate a yearly, school-wide event called Hope Week. This week is dedicated to suicide prevention awareness and mental wellness activities, and Hope Squad members play an active role in educating their family and friends on issues related to suicide prevention and mental health. Besides Hope Week, Hope Squads organized school-wide activities to not only share what they learn, but to promote inclusion and connectedness within the school.

Type Education or Training Program
Setting Online, Home, PK-12 School
Languages English, Spanish
Study Method Quantitative Design, Qualitative Design
Implementer Requirement Adults, Teens, Peer Consultants, Family Mentors, K-12 school faculty and staff, Professional Educators
Training Requirement Yes
Delivery Options In-Person, Virtual self-paced, Hybrid
Risk and Protective Factors Effective coping and problem-solving skills, Strong sense of cultural identity

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