Considering the Care of the Suicidal Client and the Case for ‘Engagement and Inspiring Hope’ or ‘Observations’

This paper first describes the historical policy context of care for the suicidal client. Next it focuses on observation & concludes there is a range of well-established, empirically based problems or drawbacks to this approach. Following this, it focuses on engagement, inspiring hope & points out the key processes of engagement. The value & importance of these is described & alluded to throughout the limited research into the care of the suicidal client. The paper then describes criticisms of this approach & concludes by reiterating the need to replace observation with engagement-hope inspiration. (71 refs.)