The purpose of this training series is to provide an overview of the important connection between mental health and school safety.
A positive school climate is an essential approach to promoting school safety. Ensuring the safety of all students must begin with creating a learning environment free from violence and distractions. Teaming and data-based problem solving are crucial to promoting school safety and preventing school violence. Greater attention must be given to meeting the unique behavioral needs of all of those within the school environment.
A set of processes and practices that foster a safe and supportive learning environment, such as early identification, threat assessments, and mental health interventions, must be in place to get increased support to those in need. Student health and well-being must be prioritized and school practices continually improved to ensure that all feel secure and safe at school.
The well-being of school resource and safety officers must also be a priority given the role they play in promoting a safe and supportive learning environment.
This project was supported by Grant No. 2019-YS-BX-0098 awarded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance. The Bureau of Justice Assistance is a component of the Department of Justice’s Office of Justice Programs, which also includes the Bureau of Justice Statistics, the National Institute of Justice, the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, the Office for Victims of Crime, and the SMART Office. Points of view or opinions in this document are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. The module content embedded within this series was developed through a joint collaboration between Michigan State Police Office of School Safety, Michigan State University (John Carlson, PhD, Sydney Nelson, Natalia Fraczek, Ippei Togo), and the Michigan Department of Education.
