STAR-Center worked with the former Pennsylvania Youth Suicide Prevention Initiative (PAYSPI), now Prevent Suicide PA, to establish and pass bipartisan legislation to require all school entities in PA to have a comprehensive policy and protocols to address youth suicide prevention, intervention and postvention.
In addition to assisting with the development of a model statewide policy in collaboration with PDE, PSBA and Prevent Suicide PA, STAR-Center provides gatekeeper trainings that meet the requirements for the mandatory four hours of continuing education credits every five years for all 6-12 staff. All staff K-12, including ancillary personnel, are encouraged but not required to participate in gatekeeper training. Visit the Pennsylvania Department of Education Office of School Climate and Well-Being for more information.
STAR-Center also assists with specialized trainings for select staff on risk assessment, safety planning, postvention response and other related topics. Additional free online trainings related to Act 71 and more comprehensive suicide prevention efforts are available through Prevent Suicide PA’s Online Learning Center.