Source: 24p. SIEC No: 19990710

This piece begins with a quote from David Clark, a psychologist from the Center for Suicide Research & Prevention. The quote describes the problem of suicide in youths. The term “suicide clusters” is defined & its history is illustrated. This work contains suggestions for community responses to suicide clusters in Native American communities. It is intended for “mental health staff, tribal councils, social workers,” & anyone else interested in suicide prevention. The 3 stages to the planning process are: Pre-crisis planning, Crisis management, & Post-crisis program. There are 7 initial questions in pre-crisis planning which are considered in this piece. The first question is when should a suicide cluster response in the community occur. The second question is under what conditions should such plans be implemented by community leaders or concerned members of the community? Also considered is “Who should take the lead in coordinating the response to the crisis?” Another question asked in pre-crisis planning is “What are the relevant community resources & what are their roles?” Identifying the high-risk individuals is another important question. What environmental factors could aid risk prevention in causing change? Finally, what the communities consider as long-term resolutions to prevent this problem of suicide clusters is the final consideration. Tasks for preparing pre-crisis planning are listed, and include: forming a team, making protocols, identifying those who may be at risk, and planning how to deal with the media. Crisis management is also illustrated. This section begins by listing tasks needed during a suicide cluster. The steps include: “1. Implement the Community Response Team plan,” “2. Maintain a business as usual atmosphere,” “3. Aggressively search for at-risk individuals,” “4. Provide accurate public information,” & “5. Support should be provided for the staffs of the various agencies and the CRT by the tribes and the CRT itself.” The Post-Crisis Operation recommendations are listed as well. The recommendations are: continuing the crisis response, proper actions & relevant thinking, “continue information disseminations in a coordinated manner,” & “maintain a business as usual atmosphere.” A list of 11 considerations in facing suicide clusters is presented to the reader. A suicide register is described, as are the questions to reflect on before suicide clusters are confronted. There are also “minimum data requirements” for a suicide register to be listed. Tools for understanding the assessing of, & the circumstances behind, suicide attempts are included. There is also information on those who attempt suicide, in terms of who they can turn to for help. A set of guidelines for family members who had relatives who had attempted or had a completed suicide attempts is illustrated. There are set insructions listed for reporting suicide “completions, attempts, & gestures.” Included in the piece is a copy of a suicide register & a suicide reporting form. A general description of a Saddle Lake Community Tribal Victims Assistance Plan and Procedure is also included.