Introduction
Each agency will have its own procedures with regards to suicide and the local child death review panel will implement their procedures to review the death in such instances. When a child dies where suicide and/or abuse or neglect are known or suspected to be a factor in the death, the LSCB should always consider conducting a Serious Case Review. Youth Offending Teams (YOTs) must report and undertake local reviews of youth offending practice in cases where a child or young person has either died or attempted suicide whilst under supervision or within three months of the expiry of supervision.
When a suicide attempt occurs, it is important for workers to try to understand the chronology of events in a person’s life which might explain why the attempt took place.
Incidence rates show that thought of suicide with intent and suicide attempts are more prevalent in vulnerable groups. Children and young people who have experienced maltreatment or are at risk of maltreatment often experience many different problems and are unable to make positive connections with peers or others to help them build some sort of resilience.
Consideration should therefore always be given to whether child protection procedures should be followed and enquiries made under Section 47 of the Children Act 1989 in relation to a child or young person who has attempted suicide. This will determine whether the child or young person is at risk of significant harm, and what action is required to safeguard and promote their welfare.
There may also be links between repeated self harm and suicide attempts.
Governors, Directors and senior managers in secure establishments have a duty to ensure that appropriate safeguarding procedures are in place and these should include arrangements to respond to incidents of self-harm and suicide.
Useful guidance:
Further information about suicide and attempted suicide is available through the following websites/ documents:
Prevention of Young Suicide, PAPYRUS UK
Dealing with self harm: Services for children and young people (NSPCC)
Young people who self harm: Child protection research briefing (NSPCC)
