Youth involved with the child welfare system are at a 3.5-fold higher risk for suicide than the general youth population. This is why it is essential that child welfare and mental health professionals have the conversation and ask questions. We also need universal suicide risk detection as well as targeted outreach and enhancements tailored to specific needs of high-risk populations . Evidence-based risk assessments should become an integral part of any intake evaluation and any out-of-home placement.
