Bill > S1303

This bill aims to establish a model school policy on suicide prevention. It requires all public school districts and commonwealth charter schools serving students in grades 7 to 12 to adopt a suicide prevention policy developed in consultation with stakeholders and experts. The policy must include elements like increasing awareness of suicide risk factors, identifying training opportunities for school employees, establishing protocols for communication with parents, and developing partnerships with community organizations for mental health and social support services. The policy must also address the needs of high-risk groups, such as students bereaved by suicide or identifying as LGBTQ. The bill also provides legal protections for school employees acting within the scope of their roles and requires the Department of Education to develop and maintain a model policy to guide local educational agencies.