Analysis Paper Instructions:
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
Youth suicide is a tragedy for all who know the child or adolescent. Adolescents, due to factors including cognitive development and lack of problem-solving skills, take their own lives when hope for better things to come has vanished. While not absolutely preventable, counselors and other mandated reporters are required to adhere to a set of standards for best practices in the assessment and determination of suicide risk. Christian counselors come alongside those clients and instill hope, much as the Holy Spirit comes alongside believers in times of doubt and trouble. As a counseling professional, you must be able to accurately assess the level of risk, consult with a supervisor or colleague to determine next steps, form a plan of action, and then document everything, including the consultation. Counselors are also to seek continuing education and maintain positive relationships with colleagues for support. In the article listed, the protective factor of faith in the lives of children and adolescents is discussed. Influences that contribute to child and adolescent suicide risk are personal characteristics, family ecology, and the media/internet.
Discuss the key warning signs and behaviors, as well as intervention strategies, noted in your text. How might families intervene and respond positively to a suicide crisis? Include analysis and critique from the following journal article, with regard to the protective factor of faith: