NCJ Number
228960
Date Published
2009
Length
53 pages
Annotation
This guide offers strategies and approaches for school communities to consider in the prevention and response to school violence.
Abstract
In this updated edition, supported by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA), guidance for school violence prevention and response is offered in the areas of a) ways to prevent student violence, b) threat assessment, c) planning and training for what to do during an actual crisis, d) how to respond during a crisis, e) how to handle the aftermath of a crisis, f) legal considerations, and g) recommendations for the media. The roles of school administrators, teachers, and staff are discussed, as well as student, parent, law enforcement, and community roles are addressed. It is recommended that the entire document be reviewed to gain an understanding of the different roles and elements needed to achieve an integrated approach for addressing the problem of violence in schools. The document has the potential to be used in a variety of ways: 1) to help communities audit their schools' existing policies, procedures, and plans; 2) to serve as a basis for strengthening collaborative school violence policies, procedures, and plans; 3) to help public safety and other crisis response agencies assess their school safety plans; and 4) to provide guidance to members of the school community.