Sos Risk

STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH SCREENING: A RISK MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE

Written by Ann H. Franke, Esq., Vice President for Education and Risk Management,
United Educators Insurance

The hardest task a school administrator would ever face is calling parents to break the tragic news that their son or daughter has died. Whatever the cause of death– athletic injury, auto accident, school violence, suicide, drug overdose– family members may be plagued with self-criticism over whether they could have intervened so things would have turned out differently. They may also turn their criticism against the school administration and bring a lawsuit seeking to hold the institution responsible.

As a firm that provides liability insurance to schools and colleges, United Educators actively encourages schools to provide a safe environment for students and reduce the institution’s liability. I believe that the SOS Suicide Prevention program can serve as an important risk management tool for high schools.

Most schools have policies addressing the consumption of alcohol and illegal drugs. They restrict access to means of suicide such as weapons, high roofs and illegal drugs. Their disciplinary processes mete out punishment to students who endanger themselves and others. Good policies and good enforcement can help an institution defend itself when a family sues over a student’s death.

Another important element of the defense can be a record of prevention programs. Many causes of serious student injury and death relate to mental health concerns. Screening efforts and counseling services help show that the school took student mental health issues seriously. Programs, like SOS, that have proven effective in bringing troubled students to the attention of school professionals, can help save lives and prevent problems. When a tragedy does occur, they can also help in court. Consider the SOS program as part of your institution’s risk management efforts.

NOTE TO SITE: You may want to share this information with others in your school who are in a position to decide when and how to use the screening program.