Suicide prevention in youth custodial settings

Project Details

Young people in custody have often experienced cumulative harm and social disadvantage, including those factors that are considered social determinants of suicide such as adverse childhood experiences, family disruption, low educational attainment and unemployment. Being in a custodial environment is itself  a stressful life event and the environment itself may increase the risk for suicide-related behaviours, especially for young people already at risk.

The key objective of this project is to increase the skills and capacity of youth justice custodial staff in the prevention of, and response to, suicide and suicide-related behaviours in youth custody. This will be achieved by:

1. Reviewing the literature on current best-practice (international) policies and guidelines on suicide prevention and responding to suicide and suicide-related behaviours in youth custody.
2. Conducting a Delphi expert consensus study on best practice in suicide prevention and elimination in youth custody.
3. Developing and piloting training programme for staff.

Researchers

Dr Sanne Oostermeijer (Project Lead)
Sanne.oostermeijer@unimelb.edu.au
+61 3 8344 6169

Funding

Suicide Prevention Australia