Suicide Prevention: A Gatekeeper Training for School Personnel

Suicide Prevention: A Gatekeeper Training for School Personnel, developed by the Riverside Trauma Center, is a two-hour training for licensed school personnel. It covers basic suicide facts, warning signs, and risk and protective factors. It also offers ways to ask students about suicidal thoughts and behaviors and ways to help students who may be struggling to access resources. The information is presented through lecture, PowerPoint, discussions, role plays, behavioral modeling, video, and case studies. This training is relevant for elementary through high school teachers, administrators, and support staff.  

Program Objectives

After completion of Suicide Prevention: A Gatekeeper Training for School Personnel, participants should be able to:

1. Describe the scope of the problem
2. Provide a clinically accurate definition of suicide • List suicide warning signs and risk and protective factors
3. Demonstrate their comfort level in asking directly about suicide
4. Identify school and community resources for students and families at risk
5. Describe a school’s role in reducing risk factors and increasing protective factors

Implementation Essentials

• Trainings are conducted by staff from the Riverside Trauma Center.
• Suicide Prevention: A Gatekeeper Training for School Personnel should be used as part of a school’s larger strategic plan to identify and help at-risk students.

2012 NSSP Objectives Addressed: 

Objective 7.1: Provide training on suicide prevention to community groups that have a role in the prevention of suicide and related behaviors.