Understanding and responding to childhood suicidal ideation: A case scenario

Explore childhood suicide prevention with expert insights in this webinar. Hosted by Australian Institute of Family Studies. Learn more on WebinarCafe

Psychology Webinar Benefits

This webinar will build on a recent webinar Emerging Minds produced in partnership with the Mental Health Professionals’ Network – Understanding and responding to childhood suicidal ideation. Although not essential, you may find it helpful to view the recording before attending this webinar.

Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts about endings one’s life. These thoughts can be once-off or reoccurring. Childhood suicidal ideation is a growing public health issue in Australia. In 2023, Kids Helpline reported that suicide-related concerns was the third most common reason a child or young person (5-18 years) reached out to the service, accounting for 17% of service contacts. Although most suicide-related counselling contact is from 15 to 18 year olds, an increasing number of younger children, some as young as 7, are seeking suicide-related support.

Although suicidal ideation does not mean a child will take their own life, it can be extremely distressing for the child and their family. Childhood suicidal ideation is a complex issue and one that practitioners are increasingly encountering in their work.

Using a case scenario – a hypothetical situation used for educational purposes – panellists will reflect on some of the ethical considerations that practitioners need to consider when responding to children and families and provide practical strategies to help practitioners better understand and support children experiencing suicidal ideation.

The webinar will discuss how practitioners can foster connection, seek the child’s insights, and recognise the child’s and the families’ strength.

This webinar will give you:

• a better understanding of the experiences of distress and despair that can lead to childhood suicidal ideation

• insight into the ethical considerations that need to be considered when responding to childhood suicidal ideation

• an understanding of how to apply a collaborative and curious approach to support connection and understanding between the child and their family

• insight into how to recognise and highlight children’s ideas, values and skills in managing their challenges

This webinar will be of interest to practitioners working with children and families.

This webinar is co-produced by CFCA and Emerging Minds in a series focusing on children’s mental health. They are working together as part of the Emerging Minds: National Workforce Centre for Child Mental Health, which is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the National Support for Child and Youth Mental Health Program.

Presenters: David Newman, Dr. Lyn O’Grady, Arianne Coad, Amanda Kemperman.