Explore the legal and ethical implications of youth suicide in schools

Facilitated by Terri A. Erbacher, Ph.D.
Erbacher Consulting Associates, PLLC

School liability related to student suicides is a critical concern, particularly for administrators and mental health professionals. Numerous lawsuits have challenged schools' responses to such tragedies. While most schools act legally and ethically to protect students, some have faced criticism for inadequate responses. This presentation will explore the legal and ethical implications of youth suicide in schools, including liability concerns, case law, duty to protect, standard of care, and the importance of clinician mental wellness.

Terri A. Erbacher, Ph.D. is an author, distinguished speaker, consultant, and guest expert in the media, including NPR. Dr. Erbacher is in her 24th year practicing as a School Psychologist and she founded her private practice, Erbacher Consulting Associates, PLLC, in 2014. Dr. Erbacher’s practice focuses on training, coaching and consultation, and procedure development. Dr. Erbacher has presented widely on the topics of school crisis response, suicide prevention, assessment and intervention, as well as threat assessment. Her work also focuses on trauma and she conducts trauma evaluations both privately, through the juvenile court system, and children and youth services. Dr. Erbacher served as a Clinical Associate Professor of School Psychology at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine for over 13 years where her coursework and research focused on school-based crisis intervention and suicide risk.