Suicide Prevention and Response

Two girls smiling at classroom

Suicide is a leading cause of death for children and youth in Colorado. Referrals for hospitalization continue to rise as Colorado has one of the highest rates for suicide in the country. 

Denver Public Schools is dedicated to serving the Whole Child by working to ensure physical and psychological safety in schools. All schools work implement suicide prevention in grades 5th, 6gh, 9th, and 12th for students, and offer access to training for staff and caregivers.

As a caregiver, it’s important to be aware of common risk factors and warning signs, and to take all concerns seriously. Remember that together, we can prevent suicide! 

What should I do if I have concerns about my child?

It’s important to take all concerns seriously! Listen to your child, and acknowledge how they feel. Let them know you care and seek help from a trained mental health professional.

When risk is imminent, call 911 or transport your child to the nearest emergency room.

If you are worried about another child, you can call 911 or make a Safe2Tell report by calling 1-877-542-7233 or completing the form online.

Resources

EDUCA DPS Suicide Prevention (2023)

Educa revención del suicidio (2023)

Colorado Office of Suicide Prevention 

Rocky Mountain Crisis Partners

American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

For non-emergency DPS support contact DPS SEO Safety Coordinators at Dr. Jane Lineman @ 303-242-6140.
For emergency support, please contact 911 and the DPS Department of Safety at 720-545-3632.

Teen Suicide Prevention

Two kids posing for photo with their mom and their grandma

What else can I do as a parent?

  • Talk with your child about mental health. Be present, listen, and take all concerns seriously. 

  • Help your child identify trusted adults that they get help from. Talk to your child about Safe2Tell, and make sure they know how to report concerns at home, school, and in the community. 

  • Share information on talk and text lines such as 988, the Colorado Crisis Services, and the Trevor Project that children and youth can access for support. Consider practicing a call with your child. 

  • Engage in means restriction by limiting access to things your child can use to harm themselves. This includes increasing supervision and implementing gun safety. Remove any medications that a child could use and overdose.

  • Partner with your school’s mental health provider (school psychologist, school social worker, school counselor, or school nurse)  to implement a safety plan for school and home. Use the DPS School Finder to locate your school’s web page and contact information. 

  • Ask your school or primary care physician about free or low cost resources in your community. 

  • Access referrals provided by emergency services. This could include follow-up with a primary care physician, referral to school-based health center, or a referral for free counseling through Second Wind Fund. 


Teacher and girl student smiling at classroom

How does DPS support suicide prevention?

DPS schools implement annual suicide prevention programming with students in 5th, 6th, 9th, and 12th grades. Schools select programming from a menu of options that include: Riding the Waves from Crisis Connections, Signs of Suicide (SOS) from MindWise Innovations, More than Sad: Teen Depression and It’s Real: College Students and Mental Health from American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Erika's Lighthouse: Classroom Education from Erika’s Lighthouse, and Question. Persuade. and Refer. from QPR Institute. All schools share information on Safe2Tell Colorado. 

DPS schools also provide access to annual training for school staff and guardians/caregivers. School mental health providers further work to cultivate community partnerships to support student and family access to affordable and relevant mental health services.