SAC Risk Assessment & Management 5

Question 1

A student returns to school after a psychiatric hospitalization for suicidal crisis. Who should be involved in the reintegration meeting?

Accepted Answer

The SAC, parents, school administrator, and if possible the treating clinician

Answer

Only the school counselor and the student

Answer

Teachers only, to plan academic accommodations

Answer

The student, their peer support group, and the SAC

Question 2

In postvention response after a student suicide, the SAC's PRIMARY role in the first 24–48 hours is to:

Accepted Answer

Identify and provide support to high-risk students while following safe messaging guidelines

Answer

Hold a school-wide assembly to announce the death and allow public grief expression

Answer

Release a detailed statement to media explaining the circumstances of the death

Answer

Cancel all academic activities for the week to allow mourning

Question 3

The 'contagion effect' (or 'cluster suicides') in schools is BEST mitigated by:

Accepted Answer

Following AFSP/SPRC safe messaging guidelines and limiting sensationalized coverage

Answer

Discussing the suicide details openly so students can process them

Answer

Creating memorial displays in the school to honor the deceased student

Answer

Encouraging students to attend the funeral together as a community

Question 4

A student identified as being at elevated risk for violence has an IEP. Under IDEA, the school's response must:

Accepted Answer

Conduct a manifestation determination review before changing placement

Answer

Override the IEP to prioritize community safety above all else

Answer

Immediately transfer the student to an alternative school without review

Answer

Suspend the student indefinitely pending a psychological evaluation

Question 5

Which of the following most accurately describes the difference between a 'threat' and a 'warning behavior' in school threat assessment?

Accepted Answer

A threat is an explicit statement of intent; warning behaviors are observable patterns that indicate escalating risk

Answer

A threat is always verbal; warning behaviors are always physical actions

Answer

Threats require law enforcement; warning behaviors require only counselor intervention

Answer

Warning behaviors are more serious than explicit threats and always require expulsion

Question 6

A parent refuses to implement the safety plan recommended for their suicidal child, including securing firearms. The SAC's best next step is to:

Accepted Answer

Consult with a supervisor, explore mandatory reporting options, and document all actions taken

Answer

Accept the refusal and document parental non-compliance only

Answer

Discharge the student from counseling services due to lack of family cooperation

Answer

Contact the student's primary care physician without parental consent

Question 7

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of 'lethal means counseling' applied in a school setting?

Accepted Answer

Partnering with families to lock or remove firearms and medications from home access

Answer

Teaching students how to safely dispose of medications

Answer

Educating students about the dangers of drug combinations

Answer

Counseling students on safe internet use to avoid harmful content