Support System Adequacy Indicators for Assessments and Interventions of At-risk Students

Ms He Ting Ru asked the Minister for Education whether the Ministry can provide updates on what are the key performance indicators used to ensure that education institutions have adequate support systems and trained staff to conduct suicide-risk assessments and interventions for students, including training staff to identify and assist at-risk students, safeguarding help-seeking from reprisal and providing continued support for staff and students involved in such interventions.

Rather than relying on key performance indicators, the Ministry of Education has baseline requirements for every educational institution to maintain essential capabilities for suicide support. Schools and Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) have processes that enhance early detection and intervention for cases of self-harm, including suicide. Educators and staff are trained to look out for signs of distress and provide initial guidance and support. Teachers are also trained in basic counselling skills. All school and IHLs have also set up peer support structures for students to look out for one another and encourage peers in distress to seek help from trusted adults. This creates multiple touchpoints of support and ways to identify students in distress.

Students requiring further support are referred to counsellors in schools and IHLs who are trained to conduct suicide risk assessments, support students with suicide risk and work with their parents to ensure their safety. These counsellors abide by professional standards and organisational protocols for ethical practices. They also refresh their capabilities through case consultation and regular clinical supervision.

Students assessed to be at high risk of suicide and who need additional assessment and clinical support will be referred to multi-disciplinary community mental health teams, such as the Response, Early Intervention and Assessment in Community Mental Health (REACH) and Community Health Assessment Team (CHAT), or emergency services in hospitals for further intervention. Parental consent will be sought if necessary.

We will continually strengthen our support system and collaboration with community partners, so that students can receive the necessary support, in school or in other settings as appropriate.