Every life is precious, and many of us hold the lives of children especially dear. A child should be carefree, lighthearted, and joyful. However, this is not the reality for many of today’s youth. Many children face struggles and challenges that leave them feeling isolated and confused, overwhelmed by a deep-seated sense of loneliness. Youth in foster care and adopted children may experience compounded feelings of abandonment and grief, intensifying the challenges they face in school, in their neighborhoods, and within their home lives.
This May, during Foster Care Awareness Month which also coincides with Mental Health Awareness Month, Children’s Aid Society of Alabama is taking an important step to protect vulnerable youth by hosting a special QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training. This free suicide prevention webinar is presented by our Alabama Pre/Post Adoption Connections training team, and will offer vital tools for recognizing the warning signs of suicide and taking immediate, potentially life-saving action. The truth is many of our young people don’t know how to ask for help. As caregivers, we want to be there to support the children in our lives, but we don’t know what we don’t know. The QPR method helps us to be proactive protectors of our children’s mental health in times of crisis.
Suicide Risk Among Alabama Youth
In Alabama, the need for youth suicide prevention is especially urgent. According to America’s Health Rankings (2024), Alabama ranks eighth in the nation for teen suicide, with these startling statistics:
- As of the latest reports, 22% of Alabama high school students have seriously considered suicide, and 10% have attempted it.
- LGBTQ+ youth face even higher risks, with 38% of LGBTQ+ teens in Alabama seriously considering suicide in the past year (The Trevor Project, 2024).
- Although Alabama’s overall suicide rate stood at 15.8 per 100,000 people in 2021, recent mental health service reports show a growing demand for crisis support, signaling ongoing challenges (Alabama Department of Public Health, 2023).
Why Is Suicide Prevention Training Crucial, Especially for Foster Youth and Adoptees?
Clearly, suicidal ideation and attempts are prevalent among Alabama’s youth. However, youth in foster care, as well as those who have been adopted, are significantly more vulnerable to mental health struggles and suicide risk. Recent research paints a sobering picture:
- Research presented at the 2025 Society for Social Work and Research conference showed that foster youth are about four times more likely to contemplate suicide compared to youth living in two-parent households. (Schneider & Kovacevic, 2025)
- Adoptees also face heightened risks. Studies show adoptees are four times more likely to attempt suicide than non-adoptees, due in part to early childhood trauma, identity struggles, and feelings of abandonment. (McCauley, 2018)
It is imperative that adults involved in the lives of foster and adoptive children are made aware of these particular challenges and are equipped with the tools to help our children through the isolation they feel.
Learn QPR: Recognize the Signs and Save a Life
Our upcoming webinar, Turning Isolation into Collaboration: A QPR Training, will be presented in a dynamic panel format led by Xavian Tate, a mental wellness professional and suicide prevention specialist. Xavian will be joined by Stacia Tate, Devon Goodwin and Daniel Washington of Light of the World, LLC.
Xavian Tate, MSW, GTC, is the visionary founder and CEO of Light of the World LLC and the STEAM Enlightenment Foundation, organizations dedicated to promoting mental wellness, suicide prevention, and accessibility through innovative programs. With a master’s degree in social work and a passion for integrating arts, education, and wellness, Xavian develops groundbreaking initiatives that empower individuals and communities. His creative approach includes workshops inspired by anime, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) activities, and educational programs designed to foster understanding and resilience. His leadership and commitment to enlightenment guide his mission to light the way for those struggling in darkness.
By participating in this suicide prevention training webinar, you will:
- Understand the risk factors and warning signs of suicide
- Gain practical tools to support youth in crisis
- Learn how to connect individuals with life-saving resources
📅 May 22, 2025
🕰️ 11:00 am – 12:30 pm CST
Together, we can build hope, strengthen resilience, and save young lives. This webinar is FREE for all parents and concerned citizens joining from any location, so please feel free to share with your friends and family across the nation. The training is also free for all Alabama DHR staff. Other professionals seeking the available 1.5 NBCC-approved CEU credits will be charged $15.00 for certification. Support foster youth, adoptees, and vulnerable young people this Foster Care and Mental Health Awareness Month by joining this important suicide prevention effort.
Arema Granger
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
References
Alabama Department of Public Health. (2023). Suicide statistics and prevention efforts in Alabama. Retrieved from https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/suicide/
America’s Health Rankings. (2024). Annual report: Teen suicide rates by state. Retrieved from https://www.americashealthrankings.org/explore/measures/teen_suicide/AL
McCauley, M. (2018, December 18). Adoptees and suicide risk. Belonging Network Support for Families and Youth. https://belongingnetwork.com/article/adoptees-suicide-risk/
Schneider, W., & Kovacevic, L. (2025, January 17). Beyond the General Population: Suicidality in Foster Youth Versus Various Family Structures. Abstract: Beyond the general population: Suicidality in foster youth versus various family structures (Society for Social Work and Research 29th annual conference). https://sswr.confex.com/sswr/2025/webprogram/Paper58766.html
The Trevor Project. (2024). 2024 survey on the mental health of LGBTQ+ young people in Alabama. Retrieved from https://www.thetrevorproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/2024-50-State-Report-Alabama.pdf