Schools are accountable for providing all students a safe and caring learning environment. When a child feels unsafe at school, personal relationships, mental health, and academics are negatively affected. The entire school community -- staff, parents, and students -- must work together to develop an effective safe school program. A carefully…

This document presents a policy framework designed to foster action to prevent child victimization and the likelihood that children living in high risk situations will engage in adolescent and/or later life criminal behavior. It applies to children ages 0 to 12 years. Eight sections include: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Policy…