This Spotlight is coming soon. This Perspectives on Prevention Spotlight features NCSS Program Manager Emily Torres and co-directors Dr. Marc Zimmerman and Dr. Justin Heinze in a back-to-school conversation about evolving school safety needs. They discuss emerging concerns like cyber safety and student mental health, as well as strategies for proactive planning and collaboration. The … Read more
When it comes to preventing youth violence, students are more than just program participants. They are experts in their own experiences, offering perspectives that can lead to meaningful and lasting change in schools. In our latest Perspectives on Prevention video, experts from the National Center for School Safety discuss ways schools can meaningfully involve students … Read more
What is School Safety? 5 Essential Resources for Learning & Application In its most basic sense, school safety means ensuring everyone feels secure and valued. It encompasses everything from bullying prevention to mental health, physical security, emergency preparedness, and more. Keeping schools safe is a continuous effort that requires teamwork and involves the community and … Read more
This spotlight highlights lessons learned from a swatting incident in Franklin School District, emphasizing the importance of coordinated emergency response, effective communication, trauma-informed care, and ongoing training. It features firsthand insights from school and city officials on managing crisis response and strengthening school safety systems.
This success story from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services highlights the impact of the “Handle With Care” program, which helped school staff understand and support a traumatized student without resorting to suspension. By receiving timely information about the student’s experience, educators were able to respond with compassion rather than punishment, fostering a more trauma-informed school environment.
This success story from the Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Office of School Safety showcases the development of 12 regionally based Critical Incident Response (CIR) teams trained to support schools during crises. Through evidence-based intervention strategies, these multidisciplinary teams help schools recover from traumatic events while reinforcing existing support systems. The initiative reflects a proactive, community-based approach to school safety and crisis recovery.