Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) is a 1-hour training that teaches 3 simple steps that anyone can learn to help save a life from suicide. Just as people trained in CPR to help save thousands of lives each year, people trained in QPR learn how to recognize the warning signs of a suicide crisis and how to question, persuade, and refer someone to help.

United Way has a trainer on staff who is able to provide this training at your convenience.

Mental Health First Aid is an 8-hour course that gives people the skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis such as contemplating suicide. This is an evidence-based program widely used throughout the United States.

The goal of training is to help support an individual until appropriate professional help arrives. Mental Health First Aiders learn a strategy that includes: assessing risk, respectfully listening to and supporting the individual in crisis, identifying appropriate professional help and other supports.

United Way has a trainer on staff who is able to provide this training at your convenience.

Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance use disorders in youth. This 6.5-hour training gives adults who work with youth the skills they need to reach out and provide initial support to children and adolescents (ages 6-18) who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem and help connect them to the appropriate care.

South Dakota children are facing child abuse and maltreatment at an alarming rate. Research shows that ACEs have a direct impact on an individual’s nervous system and brain development, which creates long-term mental and physical health issues as well as an increase in at-risk behavior. The good news is maltreatment is preventable. Understanding the impact of ACEs and factors that prevent and mitigate those effects can lessen the long-term harm the abuse causes. ACEs include 10 different forms of childhood maltreatment (household dysfunction, abuse and neglect) that have been researched since 1992.

The ASIST, Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, workshop is for anyone who wants to feel more comfortable, confident and competent in helping to prevent the immediate risk of suicide. Over one million people have participated in this two-day, highly interactive, practical, practice-oriented workshop.

A mandatory reporter is an individual or agency who is required by state law to report any instance where he or she has reasonable cause to suspect that a child under the age of 18 has been abused or neglected.

Mandatory reporters must report the instance to the state's attorney of the county in which the child resides or is present, the Department of Social Services (DSS) or law enforcement officers.

You can receive mandatory reporter training online here. This training is through the South Dakota Department of Social Services.