March 2022
Latest News
HHS Announces Nearly $35 Million to Strengthen Mental Health Support for Children and Young Adults
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) – through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the Office of Minority Health – announced nearly $35 million in funding opportunities to strengthen and expand community mental health services and suicide prevention programs for America’s children and young adults. Read the announcement here.
Protect Your School Community from Cyber Threats
Being online exposes us to cyber criminals and others who commit identity theft, fraud, and harassment. It is important for schools, parents, and students to stay safe online by taking proactive steps to defend against risks and strengthen cybersecurity both at home and within schools. Visit SchoolSafety.gov’s cybersecurity topic page and CISA.gov for resources and guidance on keeping your school community safe from cyber threats.
White House Releases Fact Sheet on the American Rescue Plan
The American Rescue Plan has already had a significant impact on schools across the country: over the last year, states, school districts, and schools have used these funds to safely reopen and sustain in-person instruction, combat learning loss, and address students’ mental health needs. Read the White House’s recently released fact sheet here.
Sign Up for Notifications on New School Safety-Related Grants
The recently launched Grants Finder Tool on SchoolSafety.gov houses school safety-related grants in one centralized location, providing K-12 school personnel with a variety of ways to search for and access grant opportunities from across the Federal government. Visit the tool and sign up for email alerts to be notified of funding opportunities as they become available.
Upcoming Events and Opportunities
Grants and Funding Opportunities
April Deadlines
May Deadlines
Ongoing
Visit the SchoolSafety.gov Grants Finder Tool for additional school safety-related funding opportunities.
Events, Webinars, and Conferences
Medicaid and School Mental Health 101: How Can Schools Finance School Mental Health Services through Medicaid? (March 30) – This webinar hosted by the Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network will provide an overview of Medicaid and an introduction to how Medicaid finances school mental health services. The speakers will discuss the Medicaid benefits that can cover school mental health services, what child populations can be eligible for Medicaid, what providers can bill Medicaid for school mental health services, and related considerations for schools and community mental health providers.
Improving School Climate in K-12 Schools (March 31) – Please join the Federal School Safety Clearinghouse for an informational webinar on school climate featuring strategies, guidance, and resources for K-12 schools. Presenters from the U.S. Department of Education will provide an overview of how communities can improve school climate, help prevent acts of violence, and lead to improved behavioral and academic outcomes.
Active Shooter Preparedness Webinar - Region 4: HBCUs (April 8) – The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, Region 4 invites Historically Black Colleges and Universities to join a two-hour security webinar to enhance awareness of and response to an active shooter event. During the webinar, expert instructors will discuss the elements of active shooter incident response planning; describe common behaviors, conditions, and situations associated with active shooter events; describe how to incorporate key elements of successful incident management into planning efforts; and provide information about best practices, communications protocols, and resources available for emergency planning, preparedness, and response to active shooter incidents.
Cybersecurity Considerations for K-12 Schools and School Districts (On-Demand) – This online course from the Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools (REMS) Technical Assistance (TA) Center is designed to help school personnel understand cybersecurity considerations that K-12 schools and school districts need to keep in mind to inform school emergency operations plans and safety, security, emergency management, and preparedness programs.
Visit the SchoolSafety.gov Events Page for additional school safety-related webinars, conferences, and more.
Back to top
New School Safety Resources
Emergency Planning
Best Practice Considerations for Armed Assailant Drills in Schools
This document provides guidance on factors schools must take into account when conducting armed assailant drills. It reflects unique considerations within the school environment, including protecting both physical and psychological safety.
Planning to Recover from Emergencies at Districts and Schools
This webinar recording provides an overview of how K-12 schools and districts can better plan to recover from emergency events and be ready for a range of threats and hazards.
Mental Health
10 Tips for Teaching the Psychological First Aid Model for K-12 Education Agencies
This tip sheet outlines the Psychological First Aid (PFA) model and provides educators guidelines on how to speak with students and peers who have experienced an emergency event or disaster.
Psychological First Aid: Addressing Mental Health Distress During Disasters
This previously recorded webinar provides a brief overview of PFA and connects viewers with both online and in-person training resources.
Trauma-informed Care for Schools Before, During, and After Possible Emergency
This archived webinar serves as a resource to help practitioners lead trauma-informed schools, address trauma in their overall preparedness efforts, and plan for the provision of trauma-informed care.
Additional School Safety Topics
CDC Guide for Determining Close Contact and Quarantine in K-12 Schools
This step-by-step guide helps members of the K-12 school community determine close contact and quarantine measures.
School Climate Strategies and Resources
This one-pager offers strategies and resources K-12 school communities can use to foster a positive school climate.
Visit SchoolSafety.gov for additional resources to support school safety and security efforts.
Back to top
If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions for future newsletters, please contact us at SchoolSafety@hq.dhs.gov. Follow @SchoolSafetyGov on Twitter for additional school safety updates.
SchoolSafety.gov Disclaimer
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of Education (ED), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) do not endorse any individual, enterprise, product, or service. DHS, ED, DOJ, and HHS do not mandate or prescribe practices, models, or other activities described in this communication. DHS, ED, DOJ, and HHS do not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of any information outside of those respective Departments, and the opinions expressed in any of these materials do not necessarily reflect the positions or policies of DHS, ED, DOJ, and HHS.
|
