Observational StudyImplementing a Brief Suicide Intervention for High Risk Youth With Front-Line Juvenile Justice Staff

A youth's contact with the juvenile justice system represents an opportune moment for suicide screening and brief suicide intervention for indicated youth. This study will provide data on the novel implementation of an evidence-based brief suicide intervention, safety planning, administered by front-line juvenile court staff for suicidal court-involved non-incarcerated youth. Data will inform the dissemination and implementation of suicide brief interventions to be delivered by front-line staff at the time of mental health screening in the juvenile justice system. The proposed study is consistent with the NIMH Strategic Plan by testing an intervention for effectiveness in community settings (Strategy 3.3) and establishing a research-practice partnership to improve D\&I of evidence-based MH services (4.2). The unique service delivery by JJ court staff also supports the NIMH goals to develop innovative service delivery models (Strategy 4.3) as well as validate a MH intervention for an underserved population (Strategy 4.1). This proposal also addresses the Healthy People 2020 goals of reducing suicide attempts (MHMD-2).