SPA is designed to help guide you in providing support to others by learning how to ask the right questions about self-harm and suicide.

The ASSESSMENT feature produces invaluable results and the quality of those results is dependent on the truthfulness of the answers provided. The Assessment results will provide you with an understanding of current safety concerns.

SPA does not provide a clinical diagnosis and cannot secure involuntary hospitalization.

SPA is a bridge to fill the gap between people in need of support and the support services currently in place.

Being prepared to help others in time of need can be the difference between life and death.

Be kind and courteous towards the individual.

Do not make judgmental statements or remarks.

Example: You shouldn’t feel that way; don’t look at it like that; it’s not really that bad; you have no idea what it’s like, etc.

There is no need to rush through the assessment: TAKE YOUR TIME!

Allow the individual to talk more about a specific question if they desire to do so.

Note: Understand that the response plan generated at the end of the assessment is a “good plan”, but it is not limited to the information provided. Depending on your relationship with the individual, you may be able to come up with a more personalized plan of your own.

Do not jeopardize your or another’s safety to intervene and conduct a suicide safety assessment.

Get help when help is needed.

If you are concerned about someone’s wellbeing, do not leave them alone.

If you are unable to stay with them, reach out to someone else the individual knows and trusts and share your concerns.

Note: Do not place a promise “not to tell anyone” over your concern of the safety of their life. A relationship can be repaired, but a lost life cannot be replaced.

Fact: Not everyone who engages in self-harm or other self-injurious behaviors are actively suicidal.

However, an individual’s risk of suicide is increased when they (1) have thoughts of killing themselves, (2) have a plan to kill themselves, and (3) have access to the means to killing themselves.

Safety factors in the ASSESSMENT report will help you develop a more complete picture of each individual situation.

Empathy and compassion for the situation will always communicate to others that you care.

Trust and listen to your instincts, and just be yourself.

Offer support and be willing to follow through with the support you offer.

Know this: We believe in you and know that you will do your best, and we are honored that you are willing to be a suicide prevention liaison.

Go help save lives!