RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06353711

Caring Connections Youth Suicide Detection and Intervention Study

CA-LINC Randomized Control Trial Study

Sponsor

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Enrollment

180 participants

Start Date

Aug 14, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Suicide Suicide Attempt Suicide Prevention Suicide Ideation

Summary

The goal of this pilot randomized control trial (RCT) is to test the feasibility of Caring Connections, a Culturally Adapted Linking Individuals Needing Care (CA-LINC) suicide prevention care coordination intervention for high-risk suicidal youth. This consumer-, community-, and theory-driven care coordination intervention is designed to reduce suicide ideation and behavior (SIB) by improving service engagement. Connections is a 90-day intervention that integrates engagement and follow-up strategies to assess/monitor suicide risk, facilitate service use referrals/linkages, develop/reﬁne safety plans, and create villages of care. The intervention incorporates cultural promotive factors, empowerment, and motivational strategies aimed at supporting youth, enhancing strengths, promoting hope, improving family relationships, and reinforcing caring messages. Primary research questions include: Is Caring Connections feasible to use for suicidal high-risk youth? Does Caring Connections have the potential to reduce suicide ideation and behaviors among high-risk suicidal youth? For the pilot RCT, 80 youth participants ages 13-19 who meet the inclusion criteria will be randomly assigned to one of two conditions: Caring Connections (n=40) or Treatment as Usual (n=40). Additionally, investigators will enroll 80 caregivers of youth meeting inclusion criteria and 20 Mental Healthcare, Healthcare Providers, Community Stakeholders, and/or Care Coordinators with experience working with suicidal youth. Researchers will compare those receiving Caring Connections with treatment as usual to see if suicidal ideation and behaviors, and engagement.

Eligibility

Min Age: 13 Years

Inclusion Criteria26

Youth:
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:
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
Parents/Legal Guardians/Caregivers:
Mental Healthcare and/or Healthcare Providers and/or Community Stakeholders: