{"id":1237,"date":"2017-05-10T20:13:04","date_gmt":"2017-05-10T20:13:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fosteringperspectives.org\/?p=1237"},"modified":"2017-10-26T19:18:53","modified_gmt":"2017-10-26T19:18:53","slug":"preventing-suicide-among-children-in-foster-care","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fosteringperspectives.org\/?p=1237","title":{"rendered":"Preventing suicide among children in foster care"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Jodi Flick<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

by Jodi Flick<\/p>\n

Suicide among young people in foster care is uncommon, but it does happen\u2014even in young children. What can we do to reduce the risk of such a tragedy and increase every child\u2019s resilience?<\/p>\n

Risk Factors<\/strong><\/span>
\nAs a starting point, it helps to know the factors that put youth at risk for depression, anxiety, and suicide. These include the following:<\/p>\n

1) Unrecognized, untreated, or under-treated depression and bipolar disorder<\/strong>. This is one of the greatest risk factors, especially among youth in foster care, who tend to suffer from mental illnesses at higher rates than other children. Unfortunately, many parents, resource parents, and professionals overlook or underestimate the amount of depression in children and teens. The experiences children have endured aren\u2019t the only cause of mental disorders; genetics also has a big influence.<\/p>\n

We know for a fact early intervention and treatment can save lives and lessen the impact of these illnesses for a child\u2019s entire life. The most effective treatments involve both medication and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, combined with efforts to decrease stress in the child\u2019s life. Unfortunately, research shows that even when they receive medication, children often don\u2019t get the therapy they need. In one study, three months after being put on medication for depression and anxiety, more than half of children had not yet seen a therapist.<\/p>\n

2) Firearms in the home<\/strong>. This is a big risk factor for suicide. When a child is depressed, anxious, or suicidal, the lethality of firearms is an issue. Less lethal methods of suicide allow a person time to change their mind or for others to rescue them. With a firearm, this isn\u2019t an option.<\/p>\n

Gun owners should not be overconfident. Of children who die by suicide, 82% use a gun belonging to a family member. One out of three times the gun was locked, but the child knew the combination or where the key was kept. Studies also show it is not uncommon for children to handle their parents\u2019 firearms without their knowledge (Baxley & Miller, 2006).<\/p>\n

3) Peer suicidal behavior<\/strong>. This is a particular risk factor for adolescents. Teenagers who have had a friend attempt suicide are two to three times more likely to attempt it themselves. In youth exposed to suicide, even six years after the death, those with traumatic grief have five times higher rates of suicidal thoughts.<\/p>\n

4) Untreated childhood trauma<\/strong> (especially physical abuse, sexual abuse, and severe neglect). This can have a lasting impact on the brain, both by disrupting normal, healthy, developmental experiences and by causing potentially lifelong changes in the brain. The more traumas you experience, the greater the risk. It\u2019s true that there are effective treatments for trauma in children, including Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and EMDR, but many children in foster care never receive treatment to address this need.<\/p>\n

Sources: SAMHSA, 2012; Goldsmith, et al., 2002<\/em><\/p>\n

Protective Factors<\/strong><\/span>
\nJust as there are risk factors, there are also factors that lessen the risk of depression and suicide in children and adolescents. Some of these are outlined in the box at right. We boost protective factors when we teach children skills such as:<\/p>\n