In practice, however, this is often not possible due to lack of resources.
The first step in managing suicidality is to make sure that the child or adolescent at risk is safe and receives support. The management strategy depends on the level and changeability of risk and assessment confidence (see Table E.4.12).
At the emergency department, young persons who have made a suicide attempt should be assessed by an experienced mental health professional, including interview with parents or relatives and a thorough risk assessment. Staff should be trained to provide care for suicidal youths, who are often disliked by emergency room staff. Suicidal youth need to be treated with the same attention and respect as any other patient, avoiding either blaming them for endangering their life or making well-meant attempts to cheer them up while dismissing the severity of their predicament. Before discharge, it is essential to have prepared a plan to deal