Improving suicide prevention for youth in juvenile detention
Official title: Optimizing the Zero Suicide Model for Juvenile Detention
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-10990500 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about finding better ways to support the mental health of young people in juvenile detention centers, especially focusing on African American and Black teens who may be struggling with thoughts of suicide, and it aims to create helpful programs and train staff to make a real difference in their lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 15, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $202,144 |
| NIH project number | 5K23MH129321-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990500 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are African American and Black youth currently in juvenile detention facilities who are at risk for suicidal ideation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not in juvenile detention or who do not identify as African American or Black may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing mental health support and suicide prevention strategies for youth in juvenile detention centers, particularly targeting African American and Black adolescents. The project aims to implement effective interventions that address the unique challenges faced by these youth, who experience higher rates of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. By collaborating with local health departments and utilizing community-engaged approaches, the research seeks to develop and refine practices that can be integrated into juvenile justice settings. The study will also provide training for professionals working with these youth to ensure sustainable mental health equity.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce suicide rates among youth in juvenile detention, leading to improved mental health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in implementing mental health interventions in juvenile justice settings, indicating a promising approach for this study.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rudd, Brittany N — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Rudd, Brittany N
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding Invisible Suicide Risks in Youth: A National Study in Guyana
A nationwide study in Guyana aims to learn about hidden factors that contribute to suicide risk among young people so we can prevent tragedy.
-
Mobile safety planning for at-risk young adults
A digital, text-based safety planning program for young adults (ages 18–24) to help prevent suicide and stay connected to support.
-
Reducing firearm suicide among Veterans with peer-delivered counseling
A VA-funded project tests whether peer-delivered counseling helps Veterans store firearms more securely and reduces suicide risk.
-
How School Cellphone Rules Might Affect Youth Suicide and Violence
A study will look at whether restricting students’ use of cellphones at school influences rates of suicidal thoughts and interpersonal violence among youth.
-
INCLUSAVE: helping young adults with IDD access suicide-prevention trainings
A new NIH grant studies whether two proven gatekeeper trainings (ASIST and safeTALK) can be delivered in inclusive settings to support young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their communities.
-
A universal school program to help middle schoolers stay emotionally regulated and safer
A school-based program teaches students calming skills to reduce violence and thoughts of self-harm, tested in a randomized trial with middle schoolers.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.