The Canadian Association for Suicide Prevention (CASP) was incorporated in 1985 by a group of professionals who saw the need to provide information and resources to communities to reduce the suicide rate and minimize the harmful consequences of suicidal behaviour.
Vision: We, like many others, envision a world in which people enjoy an optimal quality of life, are long-living, socially responsible, and optimistic about the future.
Purpose: CASP’s ultimate purpose is to reduce the suicide rate and minimize the harmful consequences of suicidal behaviour.
Operation: CASP works toward the achievement of its purpose by facilitating, advocating, supporting, and advising, rather than by the provision of its direct services.
Core Functions: To achieve its purpose, CASP will perform the following functions:
1. Facilitation of information sharing on intervention and research:
By holding an annual national conference By publishing a newsletter on CASP issues and Canadian suicide prevention By creating service and/or research networks, directories, etc.2. Advocacy for policy development and the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Level:
Via CASP press releases on matters of emergent and National interest By correspondence to National political and/or organizational leaders regarding major policy issues pertinent to suicide prevention Development and administration of guidelines for use in other jurisdictions (e.g. “Schools’ Policy”)3. Development of excellence in research and service in Canada:
Via annual national awards for outstanding contributions in research and service Development of funds for specific projects (e.g. The CASP “Sharing the Healing Fund,” and the Network Fund to increase the availability of “Grieving groups”) Development of standards/certification for service or research organizationsCASP will not:
Provide direct services Provide therapeutic servicesAccountability: This framework will allow us to look at the administration of the organization in the short run, review and adjust the functioning of our operations annually (e.g. Regarding conference and newsletter usefulness), and to view CASP overall policy and functioning in the context of rates of suicide and suicidal behaviour over the course of several years.
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