Juvenile Justice

Involvement with the juvenile justice system has been linked to an increased suicide risk among youth. Factors that may increase suicide risk in this population include mental health and/or substance use disorders, the loss of a friend or family member or friend to suicide or another cause of death, social isolation, relationship problems, and separation from family.  

Administrators, staff, and others in the juvenile justice system can play an important role in suicide prevention. Adopting suicide prevention protocols, guidelines, and tools will help improve the juvenile justice system’s intervention standards and mental health care, thereby contributing to suicide prevention and to the overall health and well-being of justice-involved youth.

Prevention Resources and Tools

The Action Alliance (Youth in Contact with the Juvenile Justice System Task Force) has developed several resources aimed at supporting suicide prevention in juvenile justice settings.