Program duration

On this page

Effective aftercare services offer flexible timeframes tailored to individual needs.

People are at greatest risk of suicide during the three-months following a suicide attempt.1 For some people, the risk may persist longer.

In Australia, aftercare services are typically offered as a 12-week intervention. However, evidence from the Sax Institute shows the average duration for effective aftercare services is longer than this.2

    While some people will need support beyond 12 weeks, others will not need the full 12 weeks. This is why aftercare services need to be flexible and responsive to individual needs.

    As a starting point, offer all people entering aftercare a minimum of 12 weeks support.

    Performance indicators should not influence the duration of a person's care, but can be used to inform quality improvement in aftercare services.

    Early transition

    Early transition from aftercare must be led by the consumer; not the need to free up capacity in the service.

    If a person wants to transition from aftercare earlier than 12 weeks:

    • have a discussion between the consumer and the peer worker or care coordinator, with guidance from the team leader, to ensure:
      • safety and support planning has been reviewed
      • identified supports are available, e.g. family members, carers, friends and kin
      • other clinical or psychosocial support is available.
    • advise the primary care providers or referring service provider
    • ensure the person understands they can re-enter the program if they need to
    • plan regular contact in line with the consumer’s preferences, until the end of the 12-week period.

    Extending the period of care

    Develop guidance to support decisions and requirements to extend care beyond 12 weeks. For example, this may include:

    • people with more complex or multiple psychosocial needs, e.g. substance misuse, social isolation, housing problems or unemployment
    • those who have not been able to secure ongoing care, where indicated
    • those who experience a significant life stressor in the latter half of the program that has not resolved by the end of the 12-week period.

    If suicidal crisis persists or escalates at the 12-week period, consider further support. To support transition from the program, and the person’s recovery and autonomy, focus on support planning and establishing support networks with:

    • family members, carers, friends and kin
    • community networks or services
    • psychosocial services
    • primary care services.

    References

    1. National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan. Canberra (AU): Australian Government; 2021 [cited 25 Sept 2024].
    2. Suicide Aftercare Services: An Evidence Check Rapid Review Brokered by The Sax Institute for The Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care. Sydney (AU): Sax Institute; 2023 [cited 25 Sept 2024].
    Back to top