Purpose: The purpose of this policy is to ensure all employees have the knowledge, confidence, and procedural clarity to respond appropriately to any level of suicide risk.
Ignite Families LLC aims to foster a compassionate, trauma-informed, and proactive environment that protects both clients and staff from harm.

This policy applies to all employees, contractors, interns, and volunteers representing Ignite Families LLC in any professional capacity, including direct service, supervision, transportation, administrative duties, or virtual communications with clients.

1. Definitions

Suicidal Ideation

Thinking about, considering, or planning suicide.

Suicide Attempt

A non-fatal, self-directed, potentially injurious act carried out with intent to die.

Suicide Plan

A specific method or means identified for ending one’s life.

Risk Factors

Conditions that increase vulnerability (e.g., trauma, isolation, substance use, prior attempts, chronic pain, or mental health disorders).

Protective Factors

Conditions that reduce the likelihood of suicide (e.g., family support, therapy, community connection, religious beliefs, coping skills).

2. Recognizing Suicide Risk

Staff must stay alert to verbal, behavioral, and environmental cues that may indicate suicide risk.

Verbal Indicators

“I can’t do this anymore.”
“Everyone would be better off without me.”
“I just want the pain to stop.”
Joking or casually referencing death, dying, or self-harm.

Behavioral Indicators

  • Withdrawal from friends, family, or usual activities.
  • Giving away possessions or saying goodbye.
  • Dramatic changes in sleep, appetite, or mood.
  • Sudden calmness after a period of agitation (possible sign of decision).
  • Increased substance use or risky behaviors.

Environmental/Contextual Indicators

  • Recent trauma, loss, or major life change.
  • Legal, financial, or relationship distress.
  • Access to lethal means (firearms, medications, sharp objects).
  • Previous suicide attempts or self-harming behaviors.

3. Assessing Level of Risk

If a client expresses suicidal thoughts or exhibits concerning behaviors, staff should calmly and compassionately assess the situation:

Level Indicators Response
Low Risk Vague suicidal thoughts, no plan or intent. Express empathy, notify supervisor, document in case notes, and refer to mental health professional.
Moderate Risk Suicidal thoughts with some planning but no immediate intent or means. Stay with client, remove potential means, contact supervisor, develop safety plan, and connect with crisis resources.
High Risk Active plan, intent, or means to carry out suicide. Treat as emergency: call 911, stay with client, notify supervisor immediately, and ensure safety until help arrives.

4. Immediate Response Procedures

  1. Ensure safety first. Never leave a suicidal client alone.
  2. Call 911 if there is immediate danger or active intent.
  3. Notify your supervisor or on-call manager right after contacting emergency services.
  4. Engage crisis resources:
    • Contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline (available 24/7).
    • For youth clients, contact Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT) in Travis County at 512-472-HELP (4357).
  5. Document thoroughly (see Section 8).
  6. Do not transport a suicidal client in your personal vehicle. Wait for law enforcement, EMS, or family to arrive.

5. Staff Roles and Responsibilities

Direct Service Staff

Identify warning signs, ensure immediate safety, and report incidents promptly.

Supervisors

Provide immediate guidance, assist in contacting crisis or emergency services, review documentation, and ensure client follow-up.

Leadership

Review incidents, coordinate with external agencies, ensure compliance, and arrange debriefings or wellness support for affected staff.

6. Documentation and Reporting

  • Complete a Suicide Risk or Incident Report within 24 hours of the event.
  • Include:
    • Date, time, and location
    • Statements made by the client
    • Observed behaviors and risk level
    • Actions taken (calls made, agencies contacted, supervisor notified)
    • Outcome and next steps
  • Submit the report to your immediate supervisor for review and internal filing.
  • Supervisors must verify follow-up actions and ensure referrals are completed.

7. Follow-Up and Continuity of Care

  • Supervisors or case managers must follow up within 24–48 hours after the incident to ensure the client’s safety plan is active and external providers are engaged.
  • Clients returning to service after a crisis should have a re-entry meeting to review safety planning, resources, and triggers.
  • Maintain close collaboration with therapists, caseworkers, or guardians.
  • Reassess suicide risk regularly following a known attempt or hospitalization.

8. Postvention (After a Suicide Attempt or Death)

If a suicide attempt or death occurs involving a client:

  • Notify leadership immediately and follow all reporting and legal requirements.
  • Do not share details with unauthorized individuals — confidentiality must be maintained.
  • Offer grief support and counseling referrals to other clients or staff affected.
  • Conduct a post-incident review to evaluate procedures, identify improvement areas, and strengthen prevention training.

9. Staff Support and Self-Care

Ignite Families LLC recognizes that responding to suicide risk can be emotionally taxing.
Employees directly involved in a suicide-related incident are entitled to:

  • Debriefing or counseling through the company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) or approved provider.
  • Schedule adjustments or leave as needed.
  • Ongoing supervision and check-ins to support mental well-being.

10. Training Requirements

All staff must complete annual Suicide Awareness and Prevention Training, which covers:

  • Warning signs and intervention strategies
  • Trauma-informed communication
  • Emergency response protocol
  • Use of local and national crisis resources

New hires must complete initial suicide prevention training during onboarding.

11. Compliance

Failure to follow this policy may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination.
This policy is intended to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards in service delivery while ensuring the safety of all clients and employees.

12. Key Resources

  • 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (24/7)
  • Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT): 512-472-HELP (4357)
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine: 1-800-950-6264