Safer Still (Exploratory Project 3)

Launched by JEFF BRIDGE · Aug 14, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The "Safer Still" study is focused on preventing suicide and suicidal behaviors in young people aged 12 to 17 years who are leaving psychiatric care. The goal is to create an interactive program that helps families safely store firearms during a critical time when these adolescents may be at higher risk for self-harm. This study will test the effectiveness of the Safer Still intervention for families living in homes where firearms are not securely stored, aiming to make a positive impact on the safety of these young individuals.

To participate in this study, a parent or legal guardian must have a child currently receiving psychiatric treatment at Nationwide Children's Hospital, and there must be at least one firearm in the home that is stored either unlocked, loaded, or both. Only one parent per household can join the study to keep the results clear. Participants will receive support through the Safer Still program as an addition to the usual care their child is receiving. It's important to note that participants should be comfortable using digital devices, as the program may involve online components. The study is currently recruiting families who meet these criteria.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Parent or legal guardian of an adolescent aged 12 to 17 years at time of consent
• • Have a child who is receiving psychiatric inpatient, crisis, or emergency treatment at Nationwide Children's Hospital
• • Indicate that at least one firearm is located in or around the residence of the adolescent and is stored unlocked, loaded, or both unlocked and loaded.
• • Only one parent per household is permitted to participate to avoid contamination across the two study conditions.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Inability to speak/read English
• • Lack access to a digital device (smartphone, iPad, tablet computer, desktop, laptop PC).