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Legislative Council - Fifty-Third Parliament, Second Session (53-2)
2015-07-29 Daily Xml
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Suicide Prevention

In reply to the Hon. J.S.L. DAWKINS (12 February 2015).

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Climate Change): The Minister for Education and Child Development has received this advice:

1. The government and non-government education sectors have led South Australian work in suicide prevention and postvention strategies since 2007. One of the most significant initiatives has been the development of the Suicide postvention guidelines in 2008.

South Australia was the first education jurisdiction in Australia to develop and implement Suicide postvention guidelines for school communities. Other Australian education sectors and organisations, including headspace, have subsequently replicated and adapted these guidelines.

The guidelines exist to assist schools in responding to the tragic occurrence of suicide, attempted suicide or suspected suicide within the school community. The aim of the guidelines is to prevent suicide 'contagion' by actively protecting young people, already identified as vulnerable, from the known risks of exposure to the suicide of other young people All schools must adhere to these guidelines when responding to a suicide attempt or suicide death of a student.

2. Training for school leaders accompanied the implementation of the Suicide postvention guidelines and has subsequently been included in the mandatory Responding to Abuse and Neglect training for all employees.

DECD works in partnership with Child Adolescent Mental Health Service to provide Youth Mental Health First Aid for school-based counsellors and education staff. The course teaches adults how to assist young people who are developing a mental health problem, in a mental health crisis situation, or in the early stages of a mental illness. It specifically includes first aid for suicidal thoughts and behaviours.

Staff have access to a range of professional learning opportunities that support schools in promoting and protecting the mental health, resilience and social and emotional wellbeing of all students through initiatives such as MindMatters, KidsMatter, Inspire, Black Dog Institute and headspace.

3. The Health and Physical Education curriculum identifies mental health and wellbeing as a focus area. This area addresses how mental health and wellbeing can be enhanced and strengthened at an individual and community level.

Schools implement a range of evidence-based universal mental health and wellbeing programs. The content supports students to develop knowledge, understanding and skills to manage their own mental health and wellbeing as well as support others' mental health and wellbeing.

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