RTS/C Responding to Suicide with Compassion 

Program Description:
Nationally, 1 in 6 youth and 1 in 25 adults have thoughts of suicide.  In Illinois, nearly 1500 people die of suicide each year, including nearly 100 youth.  Family, friends, and professionals in the position to intervene may be limited in their understanding of suicide and may not feel comfortable or competent to provide support.

RTS/C will address these issues using strategies guided by compassion, cultural awareness, and centering the needs of those experiencing suicide.  Participants will learn the scope and impacts of suicide, and risk and protective factors for suicide, including discussions of high-risk populations (e.g. youth, LGBTQ+ people, veterans).  Participants will gain skills in asking and talking about suicide, risk screening, means safety, safety planning, connecting to resources, and documentation.  Teaching methods include lecture, discussion, and guided practice.

RTS/C is appropriate for anyone age 17 and older, including parents, college students, teachers and school staff, social workers, social service providers, coaches, mentors, and clergy.

Learning Objectives:
1. Increase understanding of suicide to develop compassion for people experiencing suicide.
2. Develop confidence to talk about suicide and provide support to people experiencing suicide.
3. Develop skills to intervene and prevent suicide.

CEUs: 7 CEUs provided for LSW, LCSW, LCP, LCPC by the U of I School of Social Work.

Contact us to schedule a private training, or register for a public training session below.

Upcoming Sessions of RTS/C:

Check back for available training dates.