Are Hope Squad Members trained to act as counselors?
Hope Squad members are not trained to act as counselors. Hope squad reinforces training that students are never to act as a counselor to someone who is exhibiting suicide warning signs. Hope Squad Members support struggling peers while knowing that they are only one part of the peer’s support system. If a peer begins having suicidal thoughts, students are trained to widen that support system by referring the peer to a trusted adult (school counselor, Hope Squad Advisor, school administrator, peer's parent, etc.)
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Can Hope Squad Members take a break from Hope Squad?
There are times when your Squad Members will need to take a break from Hope Squad for life and family circumstances, mental health needs, or other events. In these events, the decision to allow a Squad Member to leave and return is up to you as the ...
What if a parent doesn’t return the permission form?
If you have not been able to get a parent/guardian form yet, first try reaching out to the parent/guardian again. In some cases, they will not have the resources (Wi-Fi, a printer, live too far from town, etc.) to return the form themselves, in this ...
Is being a Hope Squad Member too much pressure?
Our curriculum stresses the importance of prioritizing the Hope Squad Members’ mental health, engaging in self-care, and creating boundaries. Advisors are expected to regularly check in with the Hope Squad Members, give them support if needed, and ...
Can Parents be involved in Hope Squad?
Yes! Parent involvement is encouraged and is a great addition to any Squad! Check below for some guides on how to handle parent involvement: We encourage you to check with administration regarding the level of parental involvement they are ...
What do Squad Members learn?
Hope Squad Members are trained to recognize warning signs of suicide in their peers, reach out, and refer their peers to trusted adults. They are not taught to act as counselors, but rather how to support their peers by encouraging them to get help. ...