Suicide prevention training for child welfare staff approved

Lawmakers gave final approval May 29 to a bill that requires suicide awareness and prevention training for staff who provide direct services within the state’s child welfare system.

LB217, sponsored by Omaha Sen. John Fredrickson, requires the state Department of Health and Human Services to develop suicide awareness and prevention training for child welfare staff, foster care providers and child-placing agency employees.

The training must include current best practices of behavioral and mental health training. All qualified staff are required to complete the training prior to any independent contact with youth and families and annually thereafter.

LB217 passed on a vote of 47-1.