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At CVUSD, we care deeply about the wellbeing of every student. Because suicide remains one of the leading causes of death among young people, we believe in taking a proactive, compassionate approach to prevention. Suicide prevention is a shared responsibility, and school staff are often in a unique position to notice early warning signs and connect students with timely, appropriate support. To reduce suicidal behaviors, lessen the impact on students and families, and respond effectively to crisis or loss, CVUSD has developed comprehensive measures, strategies, and supports for prevention, intervention, and postvention. Our commitment is to ensure that no student faces their challenges alone and that help is always accessible.

Suicide Prevention Lessons 

Your child’s School Counselor will be providing classroom lessons for middle school and high school students related to suicide prevention. 

A parent informational session detailing the lesson is linked below, in addition to the slides of the student lesson. 

If you do NOT want your student to participate in these lessons, please complete the opt-out form that will be sent from your child's school via Parent Square prior to the lesson. If you opt your child out of the lesson, your child will be given alternative activities during the suicide prevention lessons. A physical opt-out form will be sent home with your child as well. 

The below links provide more information about the District's bullying, nondiscrimination and suicide prevention policies: 

Staff Professional Learning 

Every year, all CVUSD staff members participate in comprehensive suicide prevention training. This training reinforces our commitment to ongoing professional learning and equips staff with a deep understanding of youth mental health, key risk factors, and the needs of disproportionately affected groups. It also highlights protective factors, evidence-based prevention strategies, and district policies and procedures for responding to concerns. In addition, staff learn about secondary trauma and the wellness resources available to support their own mental health, ensuring they are prepared, resilient, and able to care for our students with compassion and confidence. 

Intervention Practices & Procedures 

Support team members involved in suicide prevention guidance & intervention: 

• The District Mental Health Team consists of school counselors, mental health clinicians, a counseling program specialist, and a mental health team manager. This team delivers staff training on suicide prevention and provides counseling support when there is a crisis incident that impacts a school community. 
• A site intervention team consists of a school counselor and/or clinician, school psychologist, and administrator. 

Resources printed on our 7-12th grader ID cards: 

If you or someone you know is struggling emotionally or is having trouble coping, there is help. 

If you are in distress or just want to talk about your problems, call the

                    National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at: 

                                                988

                                              or text

                                       HOME to 741741

                              for free, confidential support 

                 San Diego Crisis and Access 1-888-724-7240

If you or a loved one are experiencing domestic violence and need assistance,

             Please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline

                                    1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Screening process when a concern arises: 

When support team staff members learn of a possible safety concern, they meet with the student in need. Under the guidance of the San Diego County Office of Education, CVUSD utilizes the C-SSRS screening tool to gather information regarding the student's suicide ideation. A parent/guardian is immediately contacted to discuss the safety concerns, and community resources are shared with the family to support the student's mental health and wellbeing.  

Resources & guidance shared with our families: 

• • ,    ,    ,    ,  &  

Follow-up care & reintegration practices: 

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  • This team plan is developed with the student, parent/guardian, and site support team staff members. The goal is to identify effective follow-up care strategies for the student and make possible adjustments to their school-day experience that is beneficial to their wellbeing.  
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  • A student and a support team staff member develop this support plan to highlight helpful coping skills, trusted adults to turn to when in need, and sources of hope.