The Signs of Self-Injury Prevention Program, launched in spring 2009, is designed to address the problem of self-injury through the school environment. Self-injury is defined as deliberately harming one’s body, usually without suicidal intent, in order to reduce psychological distress. For example, teens might use cutting, burning, picking and self-hitting to cope with extreme and painful emotions.
This program is based on the same model that Screening for Mental Health used to develop the SOS Program. By using principles of modeling, it teaches youth to recognize the signs of distress, in either themselves or a friend, and to respond effectively using the ACT® approach (Acknowledge, Care, and Tell). This approach emphasizes that youth should seek help from an adult in responding to suspected incidents of self-injury.
The Signs of Self-Injury program for the military is bundled with the SOS Booster Program.