Health Service Use Prior to Suicide by Children and Adolescents

Health Service Use in Child Welfare Involved Youth

A case-control study examined characteristics and health service utilization patterns of suicide decedents with a history of child welfare system involvement. Suicide decedents involved with the child welfare system were significantly more likely to utilize both mental and physical health care services in the months before death/index date, suggesting youth involved in the child welfare system may benefit from suicide prevention strategies in health care settings.

• Investigating Youth Suicides Among Children Involved With the Welfare System

Clinical Profiles in Medicaid Enrolled Youth 

This population-based case-control study used Medicaid data from 16 states to compare the clinical profiles and patterns of health and mental health service use of youth prior to suicide. This study found among youths aged 10 to 18 who were enrolled in Medicaid, clinical characteristics and patterns of use of health care services among suicide decedents were distinct from those of controls.