California Legal Requirements

EC §215 — Suicide Prevention Policy

Every California school district serving students in grades 1–12 must adopt a policy on pupil suicide prevention that:

• Is developed in consultation with school and community stakeholders
• Addresses procedures related to prevention, intervention, and postvention
• Is reviewed and updated every five years

EC §215.5 — Staff Training

Schools must provide suicide prevention training to:

• Certificated staff — Training on risk factors, warning signs, and response procedures
• Non-certificated staff — Awareness training appropriate to their role
• Training must specifically address the needs of high-risk populations, including LGBTQ+ youth, youth in foster care, and youth experiencing homelessness

AB 727 (2025) — Suicide Hotline on Student ID Cards

Effective 2025, schools serving grades 7–12 must print on student ID cards:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number
• Crisis Text Line information
• Trevor Project hotline (for LGBTQ+ students)

Warning Signs for School Staff

Behavioral Signs

• Talking about wanting to die or being a burden
• Withdrawal from friends, family, and activities
• Giving away prized possessions
• Saying goodbye as if it's permanent
• Sudden calmness after a period of depression
• Increased substance use

Situational Risk Factors

• Recent loss (death, breakup, family change)
• Disciplinary crisis at school
• Bullying or harassment (especially cyberbullying)
• Family conflict
• History of trauma or abuse
• Access to lethal means

Dean/Counselor Response Protocol

1. Take every expression of suicidal ideation seriously — Never dismiss or minimize
2. Stay with the student — Do not leave them alone
3. Ask directly — "Are you thinking about hurting yourself or ending your life?" Asking does NOT plant the idea
4. Remove access to means if possible — Secure any objects that could be used for self-harm
5. Notify the school crisis team — Follow your site's crisis protocol
6. Conduct a risk assessment — Use a standardized tool (e.g., Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale)
7. Contact parent/guardian — Inform them of the concern and recommended next steps
8. Create a safety plan — Work with the student to identify coping strategies and support people
9. Refer to mental health services — School-based or community providers
10. Follow up — Check in daily during the acute period, then regularly