SD30 - Youth Suicide Prevention
Executive Summary: LEGISLATIVE HISTORY In response to the growing problem of youth suicide, the 1987 General Assembly, pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution No. 173 and House Joint Resolution No. 312, established a joint subcommittee to study the causes of suicide among children and youth, develop strategies to implement effective youth suicide prevention programs and to request the cooperation of local and state officials, the public, educators, youth, parents and other interested parties to participate in the study as the joint subcommittee deemed appropriate. The members of the joint subcommittee were: Senators Daniel W. Bird, Jr. of Wytheville, Richard L. Saslaw of Springfield, Elliot S. Schewel of Lynchburg, Delegates Jean W. Cunningham of Richmond, Alan E. Mayer of Lincolnia, Yvonne B. Miller of Norfolk and Warren G. Stambaugh of Arlington. Senator Richard L. Saslaw served as Chairman of the joint subcommittee. WORK OF THE JOINT SUBCOMMITTEE The joint subcommittee endeavored to determine the magnitude of the problem of youth suicide by reviewing the recent health statistics on reported suicides and related indicators, and by holding three public hearings wherein it received testimony from state agency heads, community services boards, youth, parents, law enforcement agencies, prevention specialists, the clergy, professional counselors, local school divisions and other interested persons. Also, to gain a better understanding of the dynamics of the problem, the joint subcommittee reviewed the staff briefing paper and other research data which were provided by the staff. The joint subcommittee determined that it is impossible to isolate a single cause of suicide as the problem is too complex. However, it reasoned that a multidisciplinary, multifaceted program to provide prevention, intervention and postvention services would be the most appropriate response. |
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