Senator Jill Schupp Files Legislation Aimed At Preventing Youth Suicide

JEFFERSON CITY - State Sen. Jill Schupp, D-Creve Coeur, filed legislation this week to address and help prevent suicide deaths in children and teenagers in Missouri. Senate Bill 328 would require school districts to adopt a policy for youth suicide awareness and prevention by July 1, 2017. This legislation would also allow educators to participate in training on youth suicide awareness and prevention as part of professional development hours required for certification by the State Board of Education.

“This legislation was inspired by a constituent who set up a foundation to work on the issue after his daughter tragically took her own life last year,” said Sen. Schupp. “I have been working with the Avery’s Angels Foundation on this proposal to promote prevention training and education for Missouri’s educators. Many times teachers can be one of the strongest influences in a child’s life, and one of the first to recognize children at possible risk for suicide. Educators need to be trained to recognize the signs early on, and know how to work with children and their families to prevent a heartbreaking loss of life.”

Under SB 328, licensed educators would be able to receive training in youth suicide awareness and prevention each year. Senator Schupp’s bill would also require the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to put forward a model policy that would guide school districts in implementing a policy on youth suicide prevention and awareness by July 1, 2017.

“Ensuring that every school district has a policy on this issue, in combination with the training options for educators, will ensure that strategies and protocols are in place to protect at-risk students in our state. The number of youth suicides in Missouri is shocking,” said Sen. Schupp. “Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 10 to 24 year old Missourians. One hundred twenty youth in Missouri died by suicide in 2012 alone. This is an important step in preparing our teachers to deal with mental health issues they encounter in schools, while helping prevent the tragic loss of young life.”

The filing of this bill coincides with National Mental Wellness Month which runs throughout the month of January.

For more information on Sen. Schupp’s legislation, visit her official Senate website at www.senate.mo.gov/schupp.