Intersection of Child Welfare and Suicide Prevention

CWLA has partnered with the SAMHSA-funded Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC) to provide this webinar centered on the intersection of child welfare and suicide prevention. Literature suggests the youth in foster care have higher rates of suicidal ideation and attempts than youth who have never been in foster care. Given the increasing stress we have seen brought on by the pandemic it is critical that we pay attention to this issue for children and youth who have been separated from their families especially during the times when they are most vulnerable. But this involves planning and coordination between the caregivers, child welfare agencies, and state and local suicide prevention offices.

This webinar will explore the current data on the vulnerabilities of this population and explore the SPRC’s work in engaging child welfare systems in suicide prevention to address this risk. In addition we will hear from presenters on one of the SAMHSA Garrett Lee Smith State Youth Suicide Prevention Program grantees who will talk about their work collaborating with the local child welfare department and some of the outcomes they’ve experienced. There will be time for Q&A to allow for a rich discussion.

Presenters will include Brandon J. Johnson, SAMHSA; Julie Eben, Suicide Prevention Resource Center (SPRC); Dr. Cindy Ewell Foster, University of Michigan; Seth Persky, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services; and Julie Collins, Vice President Practice Excellence, CWLA.

This program has been approved for one (1) Continuing Education Unit (CEU) by the NASW Washington State Chapter. Licensed Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Mental Health Counselors are eligible. Provider number is #1975-176.