Suicide is a preventable public health problem and a leading cause of death among youth. If you are reading this, chances are you’re prepared to take action.
Forefront in the Schools, founded in 2015, offers a comprehensive, multi-year program that helps schools across Washington implement a comprehensive approach to youth mental health and suicide prevention. Unlike stand-alone models, Forefront in the Schools uses an integrative approach to preventing suicide. Our model includes training for teachers, parents/caregivers, counselors and students; crisis planning tools; strengthening links to community supports; and elevating student voices with an emphasis on social emotional learning and wellbeing.
The Opportunity
At Forefront in the Schools, we believe that suicide prevention is most effective when using a comprehensive approach and that all schools have the potential to experience positive culture shifts we’ve come to recognize as part of our program. Our program involves a combination of steps and strategies that begin with assessment, capacity building, readiness to address prevention needs and planning.
Program Components 
We’ve learned a great deal about what schools need in order to be successful in implementing a comprehensive, focused program. Without top-down support, self-paced learning with a clear road map, coaching, technical assistance, training, resources, and access to a shared learning community, new programs can easily become another deserted initiative. Building and sustaining a comprehensive model that fits within a tiered prevention framework takes time and leadership.
Full Program Benefits
✔ Team driven, shared leadership
✔ Family, student and community engagement
✔ Access to online resources, customized coaching and consultation
✔ Collaborative learning model that extends support across all participating schools
✔ Expanded use of data and progress monitoring to help inform your decision-making
Phased Model – What to Expect
Recently, Forefront in the Schools shifted from a cohort model to a phased model, to help guide new schools through our program. The phased model provides a framework that enables schools to more adequately meet program expectations. Participating schools are asked to demonstrate competence for each phase before proceeding to the next stage of the program.
Under the phased model, Phase One is a self-paced, self-directed planning phase, which helps new schools prepare for full implementation starting in Phase Two. We will provide companion tools/resources and a training opportunity for ESA staff to assist you in meeting expectations. New schools can expect to remain in Phase One for at least one school year.
Interested in Forefront’s School Based Programming?
Fill out our short form here Forefront in the Schools Interest Form and someone from our team will be in touch.
For more information contact forefrontschools@uw.edu.