The following requirement does not apply to substitute teacher permit applicants or educational interpreter certificate applicants.
AS required by state law, the department may not issue an initial educator license (includes instructional, student services and administrative licenses) at any grade level to an applicant for an initial educator license unless the applicant shows evidence that the applicant has successfully completed education and training on the prevention of child suicide and the recognition of signs that a student may be considering suicide.
Note: A training module or combination of training modules taking less than one hour to complete will not be accepted.
In 2017, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation requiring all school corporations to adopt a policy intended to increase child suicide awareness and prevention. Additionally, the statute requires youth suicide awareness and prevention training prior to initial practitioner licensure. More information is available in this updated 2026-2027 guidance document.
Suicide Prevention Vendors for Teacher Licensing
Note: A training module or combination of training modules taking less than one hour to complete will not be accepted.
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- At-Risk for PK-12 Educators Online Program
- The Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide at SPTS.
- The Jason Foundation website - **Most Recommended**
- Youth Mental Health First Aid
Training
- Safe TALK & ASIST Trainers in Indiana per AFSP 2018
- Suicide Prevention Training for School Employees required by IC 20-28-3-6
- Guidance for 1-hour Practice Session
- QPR Instructors in Indiana
Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale Screener
- Why the Columbia- Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS)
- Using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale
- Additional training for use of the C-SSRS
- Support Materials for Conducting the C-SSRS (available in English/Spanish)
Prevention
- Seize the Awkward
- Suicide Prevention & Response: A Comprehensive Resource Guide for Indiana Schools
- A SAMPLE Policy for Indiana Schools WORD | PDF
- A Model School Policy on Suicide Prevention
Response
- Suicide Prevention & Response: A Comprehensive Resource Guide for Indiana Schools
- After a Suicide: A Free Toolkit for Schools
- Survivors of Suicide Loss
- Talking to Children about Suicide
- Surviving a Suicide Loss: A Resource Healing Guide
- Coping After a Suicide
- Sudden Death - Suicide - Critical Incident Crisis Response Procedures for Principals and Students
Resources
- American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
- Indiana’s State Suicide Prevention Plan
- Indiana Suicide Prevention Coalition: Regional Leaders
- Indiana State Suicide Prevention
- Indiana Suicide Prevention Resources Toolkit
- Resource Compilation for 13 Reasons Why
- State Epidemiological Outcomes Workgroup 2020 Trends in Suicide Report
