The Satir Journal, Vol.4, No.1, 2010
ISSN – 1718-2050 (print)
ISSN – 1718-2069 (online)
Dead Kids Talking: Youth Suicide Prevention using Satir Transformational Systemic Therapy
by James William Smith, M.A.
Youth and Family Therapist
Langley, B.C.
Abstract
In 1983, a Behavioral Investigation Program was initiated in Canada by the Province of British Columbia’s Coroner’s Service and found approximately fifty percent of youth suicides investigated were not predicted by parents, service providers, or gatekeepers. This was a surprising number of unpredicted suicides, suggesting that precursors to youth suicides needed to be understood differently. These deaths are referred to and explained in this article as ‘under-reported’ cases.
Use will be made of the Satir Model with living youth to understand their deeper unmet needs masked by offending behaviors, and where left unresolved can lead to suicidal ideation and suicide. The article then offers specific recommendations for risk assessment, earlier detection of maladaptive behavior in the classroom, and steps for detection and intervention for youth in the criminal justice system, corrections and youth agencies in general.
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