NCJ Number
182580
Date Published
1999
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This booklet suggests ways for school districts to prevent violence and promote a safe and positive learning environment.
Abstract
While most threats that youths make are not acted upon, all threats whether written, oral, or physical, must be addressed and responded to. The following factors have been found to be most associated with violence in youth and should be considered when evaluating threats: past violent or aggressive behavior; bringing a weapon to school; a pattern of violent threats when angry; alcohol or substance abuse; past destruction of property or criminal behavior; past cruelty to animals; past fire-setting; history of family conflict or problems; and gang involvement. The booklet includes school, personal, community and environmental and family risk factors associated with potential violence toward self and others. It also details strategies to manage violent or potentially violent situations. In addition, it describes violence prevention strategies at individual, school-wide, and district-wide levels, and community programs that may involve schools with law enforcement, mental health agencies, local businesses, and churches. The booklet lists New York State and national resources for more information on violence prevention and safe school planning. Figure