Understanding Adolescent Suicide

Adolescent suicide is a deeply distressing issue, and safeguarding partnerships have a vital role to play in understanding and addressing the risk factors that lead to such tragedies. The CSCP has published two significant reviews—Chloe and Jake—that examine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two adolescents. These reviews aim to identify key learning and strengthen multi-agency responses to young people’s mental health, safety, and wellbeing.

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Shared Themes and Key Insights

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The importance of trauma-informed, coordinated care
Children and young people who have experienced adversity require professionals to recognise and respond to the impact of trauma on their development, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing. Trauma-informed care involves understanding how trauma affects each child uniquely, ensuring responses are compassionate, consistent, and avoid re-traumatisation. A coordinated, multi-agency approach ensures that services are aligned, reducing fragmentation and supporting children through a network of safe, supportive relationships.

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Timely and sustained mental health support

Access to mental health support must be prompt and maintained over time, particularly when young people are at heightened risk. Delays or short-term interventions can leave critical needs unmet. Services should work together to ensure that mental health provision is responsive, tailored to the individual, and includes robust follow-up and review, especially when children disengage or transition between services.

 

Better transition planning for adolescents, especially those in or leaving care

Transitions, such as moving from children’s to adult services or exiting the care system, are high-risk periods. Poorly managed transitions can lead to unmet needs, isolation, and vulnerability. Effective transition planning must begin early, involve the young person’s voice, and include clear pathways with named professionals responsible for continuity of support and safeguarding.

 

The value of proactive engagement and listening to young people’s voices
Young people must be seen, heard, and taken seriously. Proactive engagement means going beyond surface-level contact and building trust over time. Practitioners should seek out and respond to what young people are saying—directly or indirectly—about their needs and safety. Embedding their voices into assessment, planning, and service design not only improves outcomes but also respects their agency and right to be involved in decisions about their lives.

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These reviews provide important reflections for professionals in all sectors. The CSCP urges all agencies to read and reflect on these findings and to consider how their own practice might change to better identify, support, and respond to children experiencing distress. ​These examples highlight how professional curiosity, persistence, and trusted relationships can make a significant difference.