Suicide in Correctional Settings: Assessment, Prevention, and Professional Liability

This article reviews the suicide risk assessment procedure as it pertains to incarcerated individuals. Research on correctional suicide risk factors is briefly outlined as a prelude to discussing current methods of clinical suicide risk assessment & prevention in correctional settings. A comprehensive & reliable procedure for eliciting suicide ideation, behaviour, planning, desire, & intent is described. Recommendations for formulating an individualized suicide risk reduction plan are presented, along with key principles of suicide risk assessment documentation. Issues related to professional liability for suicide in corrections are also discussed. (63 refs.) JA