A safety plan is a document that therapists create for children or teens who express suicidal thoughts or feelings. It helps them avoid intense suicidal crises by providing a blueprint for coping and identifying strategies the person can use independently. Parents play a crucial role in creating a safety plan, which can be downloaded from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or the Crisis Text Line.
When dealing with a suicidal child or adolescent, it is essential to help them create a safety plan. Schools may ask parents to sign a documentation form to indicate that relevant information has been provided. Creating a safe environment involves limiting access to dangerous items and lethal means of completing suicide, such as temporarily limiting access to firearms.
In custody determinations, courts primarily look at the best interests of the children, including the mental health of the parents and the other parent. If both parents die, the court decides who is the child’s guardian. Allegations of suicidal thoughts or behavior by a parent can damage a custody case, especially if they are unfounded. Child custody (voogdij) is parental authority exercised by someone other than the child’s parents, such as after the death of one or both parents.
To ensure the safety of a child, it is important not to assume whom guardianship of the child would go to after the death of the parents. Write your wishes down in a legal document, such as a will, parenting plan, or will. International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, also known as Survivor Day, takes place each year on the Saturday before American Thanksgiving, with virtual support available.
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