CARES (Compassionate Assessment and Referral in Education Settings) has been developed specifically for ESAs in Washington State with mindfulness that preventing suicide among young people is not a linear or one-size-fits-all process. We do know how to create protective environments and how to engage and build trust with struggling students. From that base of skills, ESAs can learn to identify potential signs of suicide risk, get the information they need to determine risk, and take the appropriate action, including external referrals. This training uses realistic student scenarios developed with several cultural partners to walk participants through the process and hone their skills. The training was developed explicitly centering equity and anti-racism and will be regularly revised to build inclusiveness and add perspectives.  

Goals: 

• Address how you might notice a student is in psychological distress 
• Provide scripts and strategies for appropriate interventions 
• Give resources for responding if a member of the school community dies by suicide 
• Touch on how to care for yourself while doing this important and difficult work

*Approved by PESB to meet required suicide prevention training for ESA staff