To intervene early with children and youth experiencing suicidal thoughts, CHEO has developed the Head to Toe assessment program. It is now standard practice for all children and youth over the age of 12 to be screened for suicide upon being admitted to CHEO.
What does screening involve?
Upon admission to CHEO, a nurse will ask your child a series of questions regarding past and present suicide related thoughts. This will be done in private to ensure your child's comfort.
Why does a nurse have to talk to my child or youth in private?
Children and youth can find conversations about suicide difficult to share with you. They may feel afraid, ashamed, guilty or worried about upsetting you. Offering privacy when we ask directly about suicide makes it easier for them to respond openly. We recommend you encourage your child to complete the assessment alone. This will ensure more accurate results. However, if they request you to be present, you can accompany them. Your child’s well-being is our primary concern and we will work to support your child or youth as needed.
How will screening help my child or youth?
Your child may not always share their difficult thoughts and feelings with you. Identifying a mental health issue early on makes intervention, support and treatment easier and more effective. Sometimes, we find that children and youth have been having difficulty for some time, but have not found a way to share. Asking your child direct questions about suicide allows us to get them help and support if they need it. This includes additional supports to keep them safe, if this is required. Resources will also be made available should your child require them.
What happens after screening?
The nurse will share any concerns raised during the screening with your child or youth’s healthcare team. The information gathered will help them to plan for appropriate care and support. If the assessment reveals information that requires a change to your child’s treatment plan, the health-care team will meet with you. They will let you know what you can do as a parent or guardian and discuss your child’s needs if they provide consent.
A nurse may follow up with your child after they’ve been discharged regarding the screening questions and their care.
What do you do with the information you collect?
The information collected from the Head to Toe assessment program will be added to your child or youth’s health record. This information is kept private and will only be reviewed by their health-care team. You are welcome to review the information by contacting CHEO’s Health Record Services telephone at 613-737-7600, ext. 2292.