Caring Connections Study A 90-Day Suicide Prevention Program for Youth Ages 13 to 19 Randomized Trial Comparing Caring Connections to Usual Treatment in Community Settings

What this Trial Is About

This research evaluates a culturally adapted care coordination intervention called Caring Connections designed for high-risk suicidal youth aged 13 to 19. The study tests the feasibility of this intervention, which is consumer-, community-, and theory-driven, aiming to reduce suicidal ideation and behaviors by improving engagement with services. It compares Caring Connections with usual treatment to assess its potential to lower suicide risk and improve service delivery within diverse communities, including faith-based organizations. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the Caring Connections group or a treatment-as-usual group. Caring Connections is a 90-day intervention delivered by Peer Support Specialists and Community Health Workers within mental health hubs located in faith-based organizations. This intervention includes strategies for monitoring suicide risk, linking to services, refining safety plans, and building supportive care networks, emphasizing cultural strengths and family relationships. The treatment-as-usual group receives standard care coordination with risk screening and referrals, typically involving crisis response and limited follow-up. During the study, youth, their caregivers, and community stakeholders will provide data at baseline, 30, 90, and 180 days. Assessments include measures of suicide ideation severity and reported suicide attempts. The study will monitor treatment adherence, therapeutic alliance, service usage, cultural humility, family relationships, and participation barriers. Data collection is conducted by blinded research assistants, supporting evaluation of intervention feasibility, usability, and impact over a six-month period.

Caring Connections Youth Suicide Detection and Intervention Study