A previous suicide attempt is a strong predictor of further suicidal behaviour, with the period immediately after discharge from hospital following an attempt being a time of increased risk. Providing access to high-quality follow-up and support, known as aftercare, following a suicide attempt or crisis, reduces the risk of further suicidal behaviour.

Universal Aftercare is being implemented by the statewide rollout of The Way Back Support Service (The Way Back). The Way Back was developed by Beyond Blue in 2014 as a non-clinical psychosocial service response to support people following a suicide attempt or suicidal crisis. The service combines psychosocial support, assertive outreach, and rapid follow-up to reduce the risk of suicide re-attempts. In Queensland, Universal Aftercare is available for people aged 15 years and over.

The Way Back Support Service model is considered the base guidance for development of the Child and Youth Child Suicide Aftercare model. Children's Health Queensland was tasked with identifying what, if any, adaptations needed to occur to the Way Back Support Service model to ensure it meets the needs of children and young people aged up to and including 14 years.

This Service Description will be complemented by the Service Delivery Model, to be co-developed between Children's Health Queensland, Brisbane South PHN, and the commissioned service provider, that outlines the inter-relationship between Children's Health Queensland CYMHS and the community-based service provider. The Service Delivery Model will outline in detail the components of service to be implemented by the community-based service provider.

The outcomes of this trial will be used to inform future initiatives regarding the support of children and young people at risk of suicide within Queensland.