IPS0077 - PDA Protective Services Enrichment: Lethality Training

Course Description

This comprehensive and evidence-based approach to the assessment of lethality is designed to manage risk for persons served, staff, and agencies. 

Discussion addresses: guidelines for completing assessments; interviewing; identifying warning signs/risk factors (drivers, clinical mediators/symptoms) and protective factors; completing an assessment overall risk; planning for safety; considerations relative to litigation/liability; and documentation.

Discussion of this content increases the professional’s awareness of both risks and opportunities in the lives of the individuals served. The resulting dialogue regarding the application of the content enhances related knowledge and practice skills by promoting a holistic approach which considers individuals’ physical, emotional, cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, and spiritual well-being, while encouraging the use of professional, natural, and community supports. In doing so, it promotes the safety, coping/self-regulation, and well-being of individuals served via implementation of the above activities and strategies.

• Individual registration is required and space is limited for each class.
• This training is only open to PDA Protective Services APS and OAPS staff.
• Trainings will be offered via Zoom as live-virtual sessions.
• Participants will be required to have their camera and microphone turned on, and to participate in the training.

Course Outline

I. Overview, Assumptions, and Myths

II. When to Assess/Re-Assess

a. When

b. How Often

c. Specific Indicators

III. What to Assess

a. Risk Factors: “Trans-Diagnostic Elements”

i. “Drivers” – Thought Patterns

ii. “Clinical Mediators”/Symptoms

iii. Biological/Psychological Risk Factors

iv. Social/Environmental Risk Factors

b. Protective Factors

i. Addressing Risk Factors

ii. Facilitating Well-being and Safety

IV. Interviewing: How to Have a Conversation

a. Assumptions

b. How to Start

c. Sources of Information

d. Types of Information

i. History and Content

ii. Ideation and Behavior

e. Questions and Underlying Process of Conversation

V. Assessment of Overall Risk

a. Considering Risk and Protective Factors

b. Considering Level of Intention and Accessibility/Lethality of Means

c. Determining and Articulating your Assessment

VI. Planning for Safety

a. Value/Benefits

b. Safety Planning as Assessment

c. Gaining Commitment

d. Guidelines

e. Content

VII. Documentation

a. Making an Argument

VIII. Considerations relative to Litigation/Liability

a. From Foreseeability to Follow-Through

Learner Outcomes

1. Identify at least three (3) indicators for the completion of an assessment of lethality.
2. Identify at least three (3) risk factors relative to suicide.
3. Identify at least three (3) protective factors relative to suicide.
4. Identify three (3) elements for possible inclusion in a safety plan.

Notes

Training Time:

• 9:00am - 12:00pm (Zoom login at 8:45am)

Dates: Please select one of the following:

• Friday, May 07, 2021 - IPS0077-001
• Friday, May 21, 2021 - IPS0077-002
• Friday, June 04, 2021 - IPS0077-003

New Dates:

• Thursday, May 27, 2021 - IPS0077-004
• Friday, June 18, 2021 - IPS0077-005 

In order to receive PDA Protective Services credit hours, participants are required to:  

• Participate in the live virtual training. 
• Video and audio are required to be on for the duration.
• Certificates will be issued upon successful completion.
• Partial certificates for missing any portion are not available.