Find Resources to Create a Safer School
SchoolSafety.gov was created by the federal government to provide schools and districts with actionable recommendations to create safe and supportive learning environments for students and educators.
Latest News
SchoolSafety.gov Launches 2024 Back-to-School Campaign
SchoolSafety.gov launched the 2024 Back-to-School Campaign to help support K-12 school leaders, educators, staff, and parents and caregivers in preparing for a safe return to school. The campaign highlights a range of resources and actions K-12 communities can consider to create and sustain safe and supportive learning environments this school year and beyond. Learn More
CISA Opens Registration for 2024 National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) opened registration for the 2024 National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security, scheduled to take place on September 25 and 26. The Summit is a virtual event that brings together K-12 school leaders and practitioners to discuss and share actionable recommendations that enhance safe and supportive learning environments. This year’s Summit will feature sessions covering violence prevention, emergency planning, youth online safety, student mental wellness, K-12 cybersecurity and student interventions and support. Register
HHS Announces Grant Awards to Expand Mental Health and Substance Use Services
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, announced grant awards totaling $45.1 million to expand mental health and substance use services. $15.3 million of these grant awards will fund services specifically for children and youth, through supporting their mental health in school settings, serving children and families who have experienced traumatic events and grief, and providing services to young people who are at risk for, or have, serious mental health conditions. Learn More
DHS Announces Membership to New Federal School Safety Clearinghouse External Advisory Board
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the inaugural members of the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse External Advisory Board, a group of school safety experts and education leaders that will provide advice and recommendations on practical ways to enhance K-12 school safety and security. The Board builds upon the federal government’s efforts to support K-12 communities in creating safer, more supportive learning environments and fulfills a key requirement of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. The Board will advise on the implementation of evidence-based school safety practices and propose additional best practices for publication on SchoolSafety.gov. Learn More
Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force Announces Recommendations and Best Practices for Safe Internet Use
The Kids Online Health and Safety Task Force, co-led by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration, released a new report with recommendations and best practices for safer social media and online platform use for youth. The report, Online Health and Safety for Children and Youth: Best Practices for Families and Guidance for Industry, provides a summary of the risks and benefits of social media on the health, safety, and privacy of young people; best practices for parents and caregivers; recommended practices for industry; a research agenda; and suggested future work, including for the federal government. Read More
U.S. Surgeon General Issues Advisory on the Public Health Crisis of Firearm Violence
The United States Surgeon General released a Surgeon General’s Advisory on Firearm Violence, declaring firearm violence in America a public health crisis. Over the last decade, the number of people who have died from firearm-related injuries has been rising, and firearm violence is now the leading cause of death among children and adolescents. The new advisory details the impact of gun violence on the health and well-being of the American public, describing the layers of cascading harm beyond injury and death, and outlines an evidence-informed public health approach to addressing this crisis. Learn More
Resource Spotlight
Consider These Seven Back-to-School Safety Actions
Back-to-school season can be a time for K-12 school leaders and personnel to take stock of the policies, practices, and plans that can help create safe and supportive learning environments. Our new Back-to-School Checklist shares seven actions that can help inform these activities and support K-12 communities in building comprehensive school safety programs.
School Safety Topics
Access the following topics for resources, guidance, and information to help you create a safer school. From each of these topic pages, you can sort resources available based upon stages of preparedness and subtopics.
Upcoming Opportunities
Learn about upcoming events, grants, and other opportunities for your school or district.
Discover upcoming school safety events and grants below to help support your school’s or school district’s safety efforts.
Grants
August
26
Stronger Connections Technical Assistance and Capacity Building Grant Program
Learn More
December
31
Project School Emergency Response to Violence (SERV)
Learn More
Events
August 7, October 1, and December 18, 2024
Preventing Mass Attacks in Our Communities
Learn More
August
13
School Mental Health Virtual Learning Series: Culturally Responsive Instructional Supervision
Learn More
Tools to Get Started
Start with these tools to discover the right resources for your school
Grants Finder Tool
Use the Grants Finder Tool to find applicable funding opportunities to help keep your school community safe.
State Search Tool
Discover your state’s school safety programs and regional contacts from federal agencies. These contacts and programs can be a resource to you as you build your school safety plan.
Resource Search
Find resources, like guidance, training, or fact sheets, that are vetted by SchoolSafety.gov.
Safety Readiness Tool
Identify the efforts you’re taking to address the foundational elements of school safety. Get a personalized action plan with next steps and resources for your school to consider.
Communications Center
Download and share the latest SchoolSafety.gov one-pagers, issue briefs, newsletters, and virtual training materials.