Things a Parent Needs to Know
If your child is under the influence, never leave them alone
- 85% of all young people who attempt suicide do so while under the influence
- Stay with a child who is under the influence until they sober up; even if this means sitting by their bed all night. Talk to them about what is going on after they are sober.
- Using a gun
- Restricting access to guns is one of the single greatest suicide prevention steps that parents can take.
- Lock guns into small boxes or cases.
- Lock up ammunition in a box separate from the gun.
- Strangulation
- Unfortunately, this is much harder to prevent as the means for strangulation can always be found.
What is a 5150?
- The term 5150 refers to the section number in the Welfare and Institutions Code of the State Law.
- An individual is determined to be a 5150 candidate if they are, due to a mental illness, an immediate threat to harm themselves or others.
- Only a police officer is qualified to determine a 5150.
- When an individual is 5150’d, the state can hold them in a psychiatric ward for up to 72 hours. During that time, they are in protective custody, they receive counseling and therapy, and they are evaluated by a doctor.
- An individual who is 5150’d is taken to the hospital in an ambulance, not a police car.
- 5150 is a short–term solution for a suicidal individual. It is a great way to keep them alive and kick–start the process of getting treated for their depression. It must be followed up, however, with a long–term plan for continued treatment.
- If you believe your child or another young person is an immediate threat to themselves or others:
- You can take them to the hospital voluntarily, or
- Call the police and ask them to perform a welfare check on the child
- A 5150 does not go on a student’s school or legal record. It will not adversely affect them in the future.
