Are Hope Squad Members 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. They 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.
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What if a parent doesn’t return the permission form?
First, you should 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 case, follow the guidelines that your school ...
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 ...
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. ...
What is Hope Squad?
Hope Squad is a school-based, peer-to-peer suicide prevention program that empowers, trains, and mentors students, who were nominated by their peers, to recognize suicide warning signs and report them to trusted adults. Supported by the community and ...
What are Hope Squad Officers?
Hope Squad Officers are selected by fellow Hope Squad members. Each officer is given responsibilities to support other Hope Squad members throughout the year. We highly recommend appointing secondary-level Hope Squad officers to empower students to ...