The U.S. Departments of Justice, Education, Homeland Security, and Health and Human Services have joined together on a clearinghouse focused on school safety – www.SchoolSafety.gov. The new website provides resources for K-12 school administrators, educators, families, and the law enforcement community to prepare for and deal with school safety and security.
There are a number of resources available at SchoolSafety.gov. These include an assessment tool to help schools evaluate their safety situation and an “action plan” template to help prioritize needed steps, as well as possible grant opportunities. The site also has a secure feature for school personnel to share ideas and best practices.
Of particular interest to LDA members, the website features information about how to address bullying and cyberbullying. Mental health and school climate resources are also available. Additional resources will be added as they are developed.
Also, school staff and families should be aware of the Framework for Safe and Successful Schools – developed after the Sandy Hook tragedy by the organizations representing the school mental health providers, the principals’ associations, and the school resource officers. This is not a part of the government website, but is an excellent resource. The groups involved in the original document, joined by the National PTA, will be updating the information later this year.
