52:17B-171.2 - Suicide risk screening for juveniles admitted to county juvenile detention facility - New Jersey Statutes

52:17B-171.2  Suicide risk screening for juveniles admitted to county juvenile detention facility.

2. a. Upon admission to a county juvenile detention facility, a juvenile shall be screened for risk of suicide in accordance with the facility's suicide prevention protocols and written policies required by section 1 of this act.  The suicide risk screening shall include, but not be limited to, the use of a standardized suicide risk questionnaire designated and made available by the Juvenile Justice Commission.  The findings shall be recorded and brought to the attention of the appropriate medical or mental health staff as soon as possible.

b.If a juvenile shows evidence of suicide risk, the facility's suicide prevention protocols shall be immediately implemented. The policies shall include an increased level of supervision of a juvenile showing evidence of suicide risk until appropriate mental health services can be obtained.  The facility administrator, or the administrator's designee, shall be immediately notified if a juvenile:

(1)is suspected of being at risk of attempting suicide or in emotional distress;

(2)has made a suicidal gesture or attempt; or

(3)scores in a suicide caution or warning range in a screening.

c.Every suicide gesture or attempt shall be reported to the Juvenile Justice Commission.

L.2007, c.315, s.2.