This subcommission is made up of representatives of federal and regional executive bodies, academic and educational communities, and civic organisations, as well as doctors and psychologists.
According to Maria Lvova-Belova, the creation of the subcommission is an important step towards systematic work with minors’ violence-related traumas and suicidal behaviour, as well as efforts to make relevant help available to those who need it. Ms Lvova-Belova said that the subcommission was to take an important decision to develop an algorithm for inter-departmental interaction on issues of preventing and coping with the effects of suicidal behaviour among minors. When developed, the algorithm will be first introduced in 10 pilot regions of the country.
As an example, the subcommission will study the experience of the Leningrad Region, where, according to Alexander Drozdenko, a procedure for inter-departmental interaction to prevent suicide among minors has already been approved, and, in particular, it provides for an algorithm for individual work with each child and their families. A regional resource centre has been established for this purpose to accommodate the crisis service staff.
Maria Lvova-Belova believes they also need to consider the experience and work patterns of federal institutions. For example, the Centre for Emergency Psychological Help at the Russian Emergencies Ministry has established a service across the country that allows specialists to quickly provide aid, including to children. It is critically important to make quality psychological help available to every child, regardless of their place of residence, including the use of online formats.
Ms Lvova-Belova also believes it is important to develop a common conceptual approach to crisis conditions and improve work on collecting and analysing statistics. Educational programmes are needed to help everyone who surrounds a child – from teachers and parents to psychologists and friends – recognise the signs of suicidal behaviour.