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Introduction to Youth Programs/Team

Quick Overview of the Programs –

The SOS Signs of Suicide® program (SOS) is a nationally recognized, award-winning program. It is the only school-based suicide prevention program listed in SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices that addresses suicide risk and depression, while reducing suicide attempts. In a randomized control study, the SOS program showed a reduction in self-reported suicide attempts by 40% (BMC Public Health, 2007). The SOS program is designed to educate both students and school employees on the signs of suicide, and stresses the importance of referring a friend to a mental health professional if they are in need of help.

The new Signs of Self-Injury Prevention Program, launched in spring 2009, is designed to address the problem of self-injury through the school environment. Self-injury is a maladaptive behavior that troubled teens use to cope with extreme and painful emotions. This program is based on the same model that Screening for Mental Health® used to develop the SOS program. The program uses principles of modeling to teach youth to recognize the signs of distress, in either themselves or a friend, and to respond effectively using the ACT approach (Acknowledge, Care, and Tell). This approach emphasizes that youth should seek help from an adult in responding to suspected incidents of self-injury.

Meet the Team –
The Youth Programs Team, which facilitates both the SOS Signs of Suicide® Program and the Signs of Self-Injury Prevention Program, is managed by Candice Porter, MSW, LICSW with program assistance from Lindsey Tremaine.

Candice Porter, MSW, LICSW, brings more than 10 years of experience in the fields of social work and education. She is a licensed, independent clinical social worker, with a master’s degree in clinical social work from the State University of New York at Albany. Candice’s background involves work with children, adolescents, and families in multiple settings, including residential treatment facilities, therapeutic boarding schools, outpatient therapy clinics, and public schools.

Lindsey Tremaine is a 2008 graduate of Boston College, with a BA in English and Psychology. Previously, Lindsey worked as a paralegal for two Boston-area law firms specializing in social security disability, personal injury, and other tort law issues.

© 2010 Screening for Mental Health, Inc.