Garrett Lee Smith Youth Suicide Prevention Grant

PA Department of Human Services

Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services
What can the GLS Team offer to participating schools/districts?
1. Support for staff to review and enhance suicide prevention policies and procedures to meet the
requirements of Act 71
2. Information on teacher and staff training, including providing training for staff when appropriate
a. Existing web-based or in-person trainings that adhere to Act 71 guidelines
b. New training modules for school staff are being developed with grant funds, including trainthe-trainer materials (expected during Year 2)
3. Family gatekeeper training/support with family engagement
4. Specialized training for Student Assistance Program (SAP) team members
5. Assistance with student-led suicide prevention activities
a. Guidance with curriculum selection
b. Programming and awareness activities
i. Annual public service announcement contest
ii. Partnerships with Aevidum
6. Training and support for community-based behavioral health liaison agencies, on the following
topics:
a. Screening
b. Data collection
c. Monitoring
d. Clinical training on evidence-based interventions
i. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
ii. Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT)

What does the GLS Team expect from participating schools/districts?

1. Selection of one person within the school or district to be the primary contact for the grant and help
oversee grant activities within the school
2. Collaboration with the SAP team, which will serve as a task force for the grant activities
a. Review of suicide prevention policies/procedures, programs, etc.
b. Plan for training of staff
c. Encourage student involvement in creating a culture of acceptance and help-seeking
d. Help identify focused/specialized training needs of SAP Team members
3. Data collection from the school/district and liaison agencies
a. SAP Team data
i. Number of SAP referrals
ii. Reasons for SAP referrals
b. Agency data
i. Number of referrals

ii. Reason for referrals

iii. Follow-up services
c. Additional data from schools
i. Crisis data (e.g., suicide risk assessment and follow-up)
ii. Needs assessment
iii. Acceptability
4. Support/endorse the use of a validated screening tool by SAP liaison agencies
5. Support/endorse the use of evidence-based interventions by SAP liaison agencies

What does participation in the grant look like?

There are a variety of models for school/district participation in the GLS grant. The list below provides a
sample of these models. Please keep in mind that this is not a comprehensive list, but can help guide the
development of a model that fits the unique needs of your school/district.
1. Ongoing consultation from GLS team members (monthly, bi-monthly, etc.)
a. Meeting the requirements of Act 71
b. Developing policies and procedures
c. Selecting appropriate trainings and curricula
d. Suicide prevention awareness activities
2. Technical Assistance for SAP Teams
3. School-Based Trainings (in-person, web-based, train-the-trainer)
4. Liaison Agency/County Consultation/Trainings
5. Special Events
a. Suicide Prevention Week