UTICA, N.Y. -- The first in a series of three workgroup meetings aimed at preventing youth suicide met Monday afternoon in Utica. The workshops are offered to people who work with children throughout the community to give them insight on how to identify at risk children and offer them help.

Monday's discussion was about transitions and the struggle children go through when dealing with changes in their lives and also to inform them to speak up when they notice something is wrong.

"Talk to the parents and say I heard this about your child and if I were the parent I would want to know about it. And so I'm sharing it with you out of concern," said Family Services executive director Herbert Freeman.

"This is the best thing that could have ever happened. Like I said I wish it had happened ten years ago. I know my son did speak to some of his friends, but they didn't take him serious and I wish they had," said Sharleen Sacco, mother of a suicide victim.

If you may be in need of help or would like to learn more, call the Mobile Crisis Assessment Team 24 hours a day, seven days a week at (315) 732-6228.