Caring Connections: youth suicide detection and support
Official title: CA-LINC Randomized Control Trial Study
Run by University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill · NCT06353711 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This pilot will test whether Caring Connections, a culturally adapted 90-day care coordination program delivered through community and faith-based hubs, helps high-risk Black and other youth aged 13–19 reduce suicidal thoughts and connect with mental health services.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 13 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charlotte, North Carolina) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 14, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 4, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06353711 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Youth aged 13–19 with current or recent (within 90 days) suicidal ideation, planning, attempts, or nonsuicidal self-injury who can read and speak English and have had difficulty accessing services (with parental consent if under 18) are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
Youth who are outside the 13–19 age range, do not have recent suicidal ideation or behaviors, cannot participate in English, require immediate inpatient care, or are already receiving intensive psychiatric services may not benefit from this program.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This pilot randomized controlled trial will compare Caring Connections to treatment-as-usual for youth at high risk of suicide. The 90-day intervention is delivered by Peer Support Specialists and Community Health Workers stationed in faith-based organization hubs and combines regular risk monitoring, safety planning, service linkages, and culturally promotive and empowerment strategies. The study measures feasibility, acceptability, and practicality among youth, caregivers, providers, and community stakeholders, as well as changes in service engagement and suicidal ideation/behavior. Results will inform whether the culturally adapted LINC model can be integrated and sustained using existing community resources.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could improve culturally sensitive connection to care and lower suicide risk by increasing engagement with services for participating youth.
How similar studies have gone: The original LINC care coordination model has shown promise for improving service engagement, but the Caring Connections cultural adaptation for youth and integration with faith-based hubs is a novel application that has not been widely tested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Youth: * 13 - 19 years old * Current or recent history (\<90 days) of suicide ideation, planning, or attempts or nonsuicidal self-injurious behaviors per youth or caregiver self-report or positive screen on the Patient Health Questionnaire Adolescent (PHQ-A), C-SSRS, or Ask Suicide-Screening Questions (ASQ). * Able to fluently speak and read English * Youth with a prior history of difficulty accessing services. * Written assent to participate in the study (\<18 years old) * Written consent from a parent/legal guardian/caregiver to participate in the study (\<18 years old) * Written consent if the youth is ages 18-19 Parents/Legal Guardians/Caregivers: * The primary caregiver of a youth who meets the above inclusion criteria for the study * Over the age of 18 * Able to fluently speak and read English * Without intellectual disabilities * Provide written consent to participate Mental Healthcare and/or Healthcare Providers and/or Community Stakeholders: * Mental Health, behavioral health, substance use and/or health-related professionals who screen/assess for mental health and/or suicide risk or provide referrals, treatment, or follow-up care to youth with a prior history of difficulty accessing services in the surrounding treatment areas based on this risk or community stakeholder (i.e., faith-based leaders, agency directors, advocates, school administrators, hospital/crisis directors, topical experts, etc.). * Over the age of 18 * Able to fluently speak and read English * Without intellectual disabilities * Provide written consent to participate Care Coordinators: * Care coordinators who screen/assess for mental health and/or suicide risk or provide referrals, treatment, or follow-up care to underserved youth in the surrounding treatment areas. * Over the age of 18 * Able to fluently speak and read English * Without intellectual disabilities Exclusion Criteria: Youth: * Youth at imminent suicide risk (reported verbally and/or indicated on C-SSRS) * Youth who exhibit severe cognitive, language, or developmental delays * Youth not meeting inclusion criteria Parents/Legal Guardians/Caregivers: * Not meeting the inclusion criteria listed above. Mental Healthcare and/or Healthcare Providers and/or Community Stakeholders: * Not meeting the inclusion criteria listed above.
Where it's running
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The University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sonyia C Richardson, Ph.D. — University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Sonyia C Richardson, Ph.D.
- Email: sonyia.richardson@unc.edu
- Phone: 919-445-1235
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.