HI SR45

Department of Education is requested to convene a working group to create a model statewide school policy on student suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention for grades K-12 by September 1, 2021.

Policy must address mental health and substance use, childhood trauma, bullying, exposure to suicide, previous suicide attempts, staff training in recognizing suicide risk, crisis response procedures, parental communication protocols, counseling services, and support for suicide attempt survivors.

Policy must specifically address needs of high-risk groups including youth with disabilities or chronic health conditions, youth experiencing homelessness or in foster care, and LGBTQ+ youth.

Model policy must be posted on the Department of Education's website by January 1, 2022, along with relevant resources to support school implementation.

Working group is requested to review and update the policy every five years as needed, with certified copies transmitted to the Board of Education Chairperson, Superintendent of Education, and State Public Charter School Commission Executive Director.