After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Schools, 2nd edition

Publication Date: 2018
Tag(s): crisis intervention and response, postvention, prevention, suicide
Author(s): American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC)
Abstract: In 2011, AFSP and SPRC produced After a Suicide: A Toolkit for Schools to assist schools in the aftermath of a suicide in the school community. This second edition includes updated information and new material. This toolkit reflects consensus recommendations developed in consultation with national experts, including school-based administrators and staff, clinicians, researchers, and crisis response professionals. It provides guidance and tools for postvention, a term used to describe activities that help people cope with the emotional distress resulting from a suicide and prevent additional trauma that could lead to further suicidal behavior and deaths, especially among people who are vulnerable. This toolkit addresses objective 10.1 of the 2012 National Strategy for Suicide Prevention to develop guidelines for effective comprehensive support programs for individuals bereaved by suicide and promote the full implementation of these guidelines at the state/territorial, tribal, and community levels.