Suicide Prevention and Referral Procedure
SDUHSD Suicide Information and Referral Procedures for Staff
Risk factors for youth suicide are personal or environmental characteristics, that when one or more are present, are associated with a higher probability of suicidal behavior:
● depression, feelings of hopelessness, loneliness,
● substance abuse, aggressive/risky behavior, low stress tolerance, impulsivity,
● stressful circumstances: abuse, exposure to suicide by peer/family member, bullying (victim/perpetrator)
● parent mental health issues, death of a parent, no access to mental health care
● exposure to discrimination based on sexual orientation, race/ethnicity, disability, physical characteristics
Protective factors are personal or environmental factors that reduce probability of suicidal behavior. They help a student cope with effects of risk factors:
● emotional intelligence: self-regulation, problem-solving skills, coping skills, resiliency
● family support and involvement
● access to mental health and healthcare providers
● school: positive experiences, sense of community, safe environment, connectedness
Suicidal warning signs that you may witness or hear about as they relate to a student:
● focus on suicide/death: in conversations, writings, drawings, social media posts
● threats to harm oneself (verbal, written, or posted on social media)
● giving away most valuable possessions
● isolation from friends and family
● acting differently than usual: anxious, impulsive, irritable or agitated
● loss of interest in favorite things; talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live
● sudden changes in mood or appearance
What if you suspect or have knowledge of a student’s suicidal intentions? Take every warning sign and/or threat of self-harm seriously and immediately follow below steps.
What if a student came to you with suicidal thoughts? Take every warning sign and/or threat of self-harm seriously; immediately follow steps and let student know:
● You are not alone (ex: “I’m here to listen and we all care about you” or if you are prefer, “I can find someone trusted for you to talk with”)
● Yes, we all feel this way sometimes (ex: “things going on can often feel overwhelming”)
● No, you won’t always feel like this. (ex: “these feelings won’t last forever even though in the moment it may feel that way”)
● Yes, the world is a better place with you in it. (ex: “I’m glad you shared this with me, I want you to know I look forward to seeing you every day and I’m here to help you”)
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STEPS TO IMMEDIATELY FOLLOW WHEN THE RISK OF SUICIDE HAS BEEN RAISED
STEP 1: Do not leave the student alone. Stay with student or designate another adult to stay with student. If the student is in imminent danger (has access to a weapon, is on a rooftop, or in other unsafe conditions), call 911.
STEP 2: Take immediate action by contacting:
a. Primary site contact: Your child's counselor. Click HERE for contact info
b. Secondary site contact (if unable to reach primary): Principal's Secretary ext.6001
c. On-campus administrator (if unable to reach primary/secondary):Click HERE for contact info
d. If above contacts cannot be reached, contact district office: (760) 753-6491 x. 5570, 5556
STEP 3: Remain with student until the contact person (or designee) is with the student. Once under the supervision of contact staff (counselor, school psychologist, school social worker or designee) SDUHSD’s “Protocol for Helping a Student At Risk of Suicide” will be followed.
STEP 4: Only if after school hours: stay with student, immediately contact parent and stay with student until parent arrives. If unable to reach parent, stay with student and call 911. If non-school hours and you are not with student but are notified student is suicidal, call 911 and then notify primary site contact
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Curfew
Safety Reminder!
Curfew laws in our communities apply to students under 18 years old. The local curfew times:
| Carlsbad | 11 p.m. –5 a.m. |
| Carmel Valley | 10 p.m. –6 a.m |
| Del Mar | 10 p.m. –6 a.m. |
| Encinitas | 10 p.m. –6 a.m |
| Rancho Santa Fe | 10 p.m. –6 a.m. |
| Solana Beach | 10 p.m. –6 a.m |
SDUHSD Safety Info
School Safety
School Safety at La Costa Canyon High School
School Safety at La Costa Canyon High School
LCC Safety Team and Comprehensive Safety Plan
Assistant Principal Brenda Robinette is the School Safety Coordinator for La Costa Canyon High School. The school’s Safety Team meets quarterly to review ongoing safety concerns and to maintain the Comprehensive School Safety Plan. The Comprehensive School Safety Plan is updated and approved by the School Site Council each school year and shared with all staff so that all are prepared in the case of crisis or disaster. The LCC Safety Team also works to implement fire, lockdown, and earthquake safety drills at least twice each school year. Brenda can be reached at x6029 or brenda.robinette@sduhsd.net.
SDUHSD Safety Committee
The San Dieguito Union High School District maintains a district-level safety team to address and coordinate issues of concern to the entire District. Comprised of representatives from each campus and members of the District’s leadership team, the group is managed by SDUHSD Business Services. They can be reached at 760-753-6491, Ext. 5541.
School Safety Is Everyone’s Concern: How You Can Help
Contact LCCHS Administration
If you are aware of a safety concern, please contact LCCHS Administration. You can report any concerns to Assistant Principal, Brenda Robinette, by calling her assistant at 760-436-6136, Ext. 6003, or by email at brenda.robinette@sduhsd.net
WeTip: Anonymous Reporting of Safety Concerns (with Possible Reward)
Students or families with concerns about the school environment can report them anonymously by contacting WeTip. Anyone can report incidents of bullying, drugs, weapons, theft, or other crimes by calling 800-78-CRIME (27463), or by filing an online report. Tips may earn up to a $1000 reward.
This local San Diego County resource is another resource for students to report concerns. Successful tips can earn up to a $1000 reward. Contact Students Speaking Outonline or at 888-580-8477.
This San Diego County organization accepts anonymous tips about past or potential crimes at school or in the community. Phone 888-580-8477 or contact online.
For a list of SDUHSD School Safety Resources click HERE
Social Hosting
Social Hosting
Keep Our Teens Safe: Know the Law about Social Hosting
The logic seems simple: if our kids are going to engage in the use of alcohol, isn't it safer if they stay home? The logic, however, equates to unintended consequences and, more importantly, is illegal. We in the school community often hear about the effects of what is considered "Social Hosting:"
- Parents can be fined and held fiscally liable for damages, injuries, and municipal recovery costs.
- Students learn of socially hosted parties and share their locations on social. networking apps, such as Instagram, Yik-Yak, Twitter, or Facebook.
- Students construe a socially hosted party to mean that the parent(s) condone the use of drugs or alcohol.
Parents can stay educated about the local ordinances and limit their liability. Follow the links below to important information about Social Hosting Ordinances in both Encinitas and Carlsbad.