The Need to Know: A Fact Sheet Series on Juvenile Suicide explains juvenile suicide and offers practical guidance for those working with youth in the juvenile justice system. Developed by the Youth in Contact with the Juvenile Justice System Task Force of the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, this series aims to raise awareness and provide actionable information on what individuals and systems can do to prevent suicide among youth. The series is composed of tailored fact sheets for different roles within the juvenile justice system, including juvenile detention and secure care staff, juvenile probation staff, and juvenile court judges and staff. 

Fact Sheets 

The series is composed of the following two fact sheets: 

  1. Juvenile Detention and Secure Care Staff: This fact sheet provides essential information for staff working in juvenile detention and secure care facilities. It outlines what staff need to know about juvenile suicide, actionable steps they can take to prevent it, and system-wide strategies to mitigate risk. The resource includes practical tips and guidelines to enhance the safety and well-being of youth under their care. 
  2. Juvenile Probation Staff: Tailored specifically for juvenile probation staff, this fact sheet offers crucial insights into the risk of suicide among youth on probation. It covers what probation officers need to be aware of, preventive measures they can implement, and broader systemic actions that can support suicide prevention efforts. The document provides concrete strategies to help probation staff identify and respond to at-risk youth effectively. 

The National Center for Youth Opportunity and Justice (NCYOJ) originally developed and maintained these resources. The NCYOJ, operated by Policy Research, Inc., from 2001 to 2022, aimed to improve life opportunities for youth through systems and practice improvement initiatives. These fact sheets should be viewed as reference documents and have not been updated since their publication. Additionally, these documents are not 508 compliant. For a 508 compliant version, please email communications@prainc.com. 

Citation  

National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention: Youth in Contact with the Juvenile Justice System Task Force. (2013) Need to know: A fact sheet series on juvenile suicide. Washington, DC: Author. 

This resource was first shared in 2013. 

(PDF)