NCJ Number
132382
Journal
Jail Suicide Update Volume: 3 Issue: 3 Dated: (Winter 1990) Pages: 1-6
Date Published
1990
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Describing the model suicide prevention program created within the Champaign County Correctional Center in Urbana, Illinois, this article discusses the process of incremental change, intervention efforts, and the issue of isolating versus housing suicidal inmates among the general inmate population.
Abstract
The Center's comprehensive approach to suicide prevention involves training, considered to be the backbone of the program, and an intake screening and classification process. Correctional staff refer immediately any detainee who shows signs of suicidal behavior or mental illness to mental health staff who are available in the facility over 60 hours a week and on-call 24-hours a day. Following intervention and assessment, mental health staff recommend appropriate surveillance levels and housing assignments to correctional staff. The five housing options available for suicidal inmates, ranging from least to most restrictive, are outlined. Since December 1981, the Champaign County Correctional Center has not experienced a single suicide.