Effective interventions to reduce suicidal thoughts and behaviours among children in contact with child protection and out-of-home care systems – A rapid evidence review

Abstract

[Extract] Aim The aim of this rapid evidence review is to outline the role played by involvement in the child protection system—including placement in OOHC—as a risk factor for suicidal behaviour. We also aim to review the effectiveness of interventions focused on OOHC for at-risk children in reducing suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts and suicide deaths. The National Suicide Prevention Taskforce, through the Suicide Prevention Research Fund managed by Suicide Prevention Australia, commissioned the Institute of Child Protection Studies at Australian Catholic University to conduct this review of the literature. We aimed to answer the following research questions: 1. What role do risk factors associated with childhood trauma and interactions with the child protection and out-of-home system play in suicidal behaviour? 2. What interventions have been shown to be effective in reducing suicidal thoughts and behaviours among children involved in the out-of-home care system? 3. What recommendations could be made about interventions that may be most appropriate and feasible within the Australian context