b'Parental InvolvementParents and guardians play a key role in youth suicide prevention, and it is important for the school district to involve them in suicide prevention efforts. While parents and guardians need to be informed and actively involved in decisions regarding the students welfare, the school mental health professional should ensure that the parents actions are in the best interest of the student (e.g., when a student is LGBTQ and living in an unaffirming household).Parents and guardians who learn the warning signs and risk factors for suicide are better equipped to connect their children with professional help when necessary. Parents and guardians should be advised to take every statement regarding suicide and a wish to die seriously, and avoid assuming that the student is simply seeking attention. There are commercially available videos and programs to help train parents in recognizing suicide warning signs.Parents and guardians can also contribute to important protective factorsconditions that reduce vulnerabilityto suicidal behaviorfor all students, especially vulnerable youth populations such as LGBTQ youth. Recent research shows that LGBT youth who are rejected by their parents are at a much higher risk of depression, suicide, illegal drug use, and unprotected sexual practices. Conversely, acceptance and support by family results in higher levels of self-esteem, lower levels of suicidal ideation and self-harm incidents, and better overall physical health. 6Special ConsiderationsIf the school district advises a parent that the student must be examined by a mental health professional priorto the student returning to school, then the district may be required to pay for the costs of such medical treatment depending upon state requirements. In addition, if a student with a documented disability isprevented from returning to school until cleared by a mental health professional, the school district is expectedto file for an expedited hearing pursuant to the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA); the parent is entitled to all due process rights available under IDEA. If the parent does not follow through with the schools recommendation and the students perceived risk persists, the school shall follow state/district legal or policy requirements to ensure student safety. This may include a range of suggested options for next stepscall 911, call Child Protective Services, call mobile crisis services, etc. When a parent is notified of perceived suicide risk or an attempt, it is essential that the school maintain studentconfidentiality related to personal information such as sexual orientation or gender identity, especially when the student has not already disclosed to the parent or guardian and does not want it shared. Information sharedshould be restricted to the perceived risk of suicide or facts of the attempt.Ethically and legally, mental healthprofessionals are required to report risk to self and others. Disclosing a students sexual orientation or gender identity without their explicit consent can in some cases endanger the student and at a minimum will impair the rapport developed with the professional.Through discussion with the student, the principal or school-employed mental health professional will assess whether there is further risk of harm due to parent or guardian notification. If the principal, designee, or mentalhealth professional believes, in their professional capacity, that contacting the parent or guardian would endanger the health or well-being of the student, they may delay such contact as appropriate. Consultation with another mental health professional is recommended before taking such inaction. If contact is delayed, the reasons for the delay should be documented. Legally, the parent should not be contacted and Child Protection Services should be notified if abuse or neglect is suspected.Model School District Policy on Suicide Prevention | Model Language, Commentary, and Resources 16'