FEDERAL, STATE, AND PRIVATE ACTIVITIES

Oregon

Description:
Portland Public Schools Chrysalis Youth Suicide Prevention Demonstration Project

ABSTRACT

Summary: Portland Public Schools will demonstrate a multi-faceted, evidence-based, and collaborative suicide prevention model targeted to adolescents in grades 9-11 with a history of physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse. The district will work with a nonprofit youth treatment agency, School-Based Health Centers, and other stakeholders to develop a sustainable community action plan and strengthen resiliency factors through school-based services for girls, boys, and families.

Goals: Over two years, the project will seek to (1) Engage critical school and community stakeholders (e.g., prevention specialists, youth/family service providers, student and family representatives, local and state decision makers, other community leaders) in developing and implementing a sustainable, long-range community action plan focused on preventing suicide and enhancing the skills, resilience, and healthy development of vulnerable young people; and (2) Pilot, evaluate, and document an intensive school-based suicide prevention strategy designed to reduce the negative effects of childhood physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse among female and male adolescents in grades 9-11.

Approach: The project will build on five years of success of Project Chrysalis in improving outcomes for female student victims of abuse. Key components which will be continued for identified girls and adapted to serve boys are: weekly student support groups, open sessions tailored to group needs/interests, full-day trainings (Challenge Course, HIV/A1DS workshop, safety and self-defense class), case management, academic suppoM and a year-end celebration. A broad-based advisory board will help develop the suicide prevention community action plan, including long-term institutionalization of proven interventions for high-risk youth.

Collaborating community organizations: Waverly Children's Home (a treatment agency), Multnomah County School-Based Health Centers, Department of Community and Family Services, Juvenile Justice, Oregon Health Division, Portland Police Bureau, Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Men's Resource Center, other youth-serving agencies and groups serving African-American, American Indian, Asian-American, Hispanic, and gay/lesbian students.

Projected number/characteristics of youth/families served: Each year, the project will serve approximately 80 high school females and 20 high school boys, grades 9-11, from diverse ethnic/cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, who have experienced physical, sexual, and/or emotional abuse. Approximately 80 parents/caregivers annually will attend information nights and six-session parent groups.