Combating Fear and Restoring Safety in Schools

• NCJ Number: 167888
• Author(s): J L Arnette; M C Walsleben
• Date Published: April 1998
• Length: 16 pages
• Publication Series: OJJDP Youth Out of the Education Mainstream Series
• Grant Number(s): 95-MU-MU-0032; 94-JN-CX-0005
• Agencies: OJJDP
• Publication Type: Program/Project Evaluation

Annotation

This bulletin focuses on the national effort to reach young people who are absent or truant from school due to school-related fear and intimidation.

Abstract

Certain manifestations of street violence have encroached on schools, including gangs, bullying, weapon possession and use, substance abuse, and community violence. Educators, parents, and students are concerned and want to revitalize schools and make them safer. In particular, students often express fear of personal victimization and violence experienced by other students and consequently do not attend school. Numerous prevention and intervention strategies have emerged to ensure schools are safe. These strategies include the Gang Resistance Education and Training Program, the Gang Prevention Through Targeted Outreach, the National Youth Gang Center, the Safe Alternatives and Violence Education Curriculum, the Adolescent Social Action Program, the Parents and Schools Succeeding in Providing Organized Routes to Travel Program, and the Gang Resistance Is Paramount Program. Although existing programs represent a good start, more such programs are needed to create safe schools in every community. Data on the percent of students reporting the presence of guns at school in 1995 and on characteristics of school-associated violent deaths between 1992 and 1994 are provided. 49 endnotes, 1 table, 1 figure, and 4 photographs