A 1-year longitudinal study tested the model that the relation between maternal depression & adolescent suicidal symptoms is mediated by family functioning. Participants were 240 children & their mothers, 77% of whom had a history of a mood disorder. An adolescent suicide index was created based on suicide items from the child & parent versions of the Children’s Depression Inventory, Child Behavior Checklist, & Children’s Depression Rating Scale, administered at both Time 1 & 2. Family functioning was assessed with the Family Relationship Index completed by mothers & children at Time 1. Resulted indicated that the relation between maternal depression & adolescent suicide symptoms at Time 2 was mediated by perceived family functioning, controlling for suicide symptoms at Time 1. (52 refs.)