In part two of our conversation on suicide prevention in juvenile detention centers, Dr. Leah Saulter, describes how “dorm culture” affects attitudes towards being put on suicide alert. With limited resources and high burnout rates, suicide alerts require extra attention from an already overstretched staff. For some young people, manipulating the staff may be a cure for boredom or an opportunity for secondary gain. Pushing the buttons of those in charge, could make those who have so little autonomy, feel in control. However, many of the threats are legitimate, and, even if the threat of suicide is a form of manipulation, it can still be a highly dangerous ploy.

You cannot talk about suicide rates in youth correctional institutions and not ask yourself, “How did these young people wind up in these spaces to begin with?” 47.4% of youth in the Texas Juvenile Justice System have had four or more Adverse Childhood Events. Whether dealing with homelessness or witnessing violence in their own homes, many of these young people never really stood a chance to learn “right from wrong.” Gangs, for example, may offer food, protection, and a sense of belonging that is hard to come by for some adolescents. A further challenge is to ask these young people, who have had to grow up so fast, to return to being a child again. “Listen to the teacher.” “Follow the rules.” So how can you reach these young minds? Is there a shot at a second chance?  Group therapy has proven to be a useful tool in helping breakthrough. For more on the positive effects of group therapy, check out this week’s blog, “Advantages of Group Therapy.”