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- Home | Safe and Sound Schools | School Safety
Safe and Sound Schools is a national non-profit organization dedicated to supporting school crisis prevention, response, and recovery, aiming to protect every school and every student, every day. Founded by parents who lost children at Sandy Hook, we provide research-based tools and resources to help school communities improve safety and security. OUR MISSION SPEAKERS TRAINING EVENTS NATIONAL & REGIONAL Events Explore our events featuring top school safety experts on today's most critical topics. VIEW ALL EVENTS SCHOOL SAFETY Trainings PROGRAMS & TRAINING Explore our school safety programs, download free resources, or contact us for training opportunities. DYNAMIC Speakers Our school safety advocates and experts deliver practical knowledge and engaging content to educate your community. From keynotes to workshops, our speakers adapt to your event's unique needs. OUR SPEAKERS GROWING OUR Mission Our mission is to support school crisis prevention, response, and recovery, and to protect every school and every student, every day. SEE OUR STORY PROGRAMS & Training BRIGHT FUTURES PATHWAYS FOR PREVENTION ESPECIALLY SAFE AVERTED SCHOOL VIOLENCE PROJECT SAFE AND SOUND INSTITUTE STAYING SAFE 31,260 Viewed from all 50 States and 163 Countries TOOLKITS 16,600,000 Impacted by Safe and Sound Schools® Worldwide STUDENTS 32,000 Reached through Education, Trainings, and Resources SCHOOLS MAKING AN Impact Michele’s outstanding keynote address was well received by the 800+ School Resource Officers in attendance and it truly set the stage for a powerful close to our National School Safety Conference. – Mo Canady, Executive Director, National Association of School Resource Officers Michele’s presentations to parents, educators, and policy makers provide the perfect balance of emotion and practical guidance. She promotes an approach to school safety that strikes the important balance between physical and psychological safety. Her efforts have helped to ensure schools have comprehensive safety and crisis plans, with special attention being given to reunification and recovery. – Stephen E. Brock, Ph.D., NCSP, LEP, Past President, National Association of School Psychologists Frank was amazing. I received about 50 texts and emails, all thankful and appreciative. – Jason Stoddard, Director of School Safety and Security, Charles County Public Schools, LaPlata, MD Molly and Frank both did an amazing job. I walked the conference area after each presenter and the word of mouth was incredible. I would also like to add they were both just as amazing with our staff. Mountain State couldn't have asked for two better keynote speakers. We hope our paths cross in the future again! -Troy Alexander, Communications Specialist, Mountain State Educational Service Cooperative "Molly was fantastic! Not sure how else to describe it. I have been told many times that this was the best DARE conference that Iowa has had and some even said it was better than a lot of other law enforcement conferences they have attended. Molly was a big part of what made this conference a huge success and can’t say enough great things about her." -Jason Hoerner, Iowa DARE Association Yes, I just heard Michele Gay speak. A truly inspirational and amazing women giving her accounts of her day of the Sandy Hook shooting. An amazing women willing to share her life changing experience so we can make schools safer. SAFE AND SOUND Speakers Safe and Sound Schools'® panel of school safety experts combine deep practical knowledge with engaging delivery to inspire and educate your school community. OUR SPEAKERS Michele Gay Founder & Executive Director Mother, educator, and co-founder of Safe and Sound Schools, Michele Gay chose to take action after losing her daughter Josephine Grace...READ MORE Go Frank DeAngelis Former Principal, Columbine HS Go Frank DeAngelis, retired principal of Columbine High School, served as an educator for the Jeffco School District in Littleton Colorado...READ MORE Molly Hudgens School Counselor Go On September 28, 2016, Molly Hudgens, a school counselor in Pleasant View, Tennessee, averted a school shooting when...READ MORE CHECK OUT OUR Events “This was the best training I have ever been to. Thank you for doing what you do!” – Patrick L., Attendee & School Resource Officer SEE ALL EVENTS THE SOUND OFF Podcast LISTEN NOW PREVENTION RESPONSE RECOVERY Prevention of school violence is the ultimate goal of Safe and Sound. To view our database of Averted School Violence, click here . In the event that a response is required, Safe and Sound provides a list of valuable resources to help you take action quickly here . The road to recovery is an emotional journey. Safe and Sound is here to support! Learn about upcoming events that prepare you for this here . Supporting Featured Episodes VIEW ALL RESOURCES READ OUR Blog Safe and Sound Leads the Way on Important Topics 1 2 3 4 5 SEE ALL BLOGS Especially Safe: Planning & Preparation Guide Especially Safe: Teaching & Training Guide BTAM & ASD: An e-Guide for Assessing Students on the Autism Spectrum A Parent’s Guide to Fostering Safer Online Practices on Snapchat & Beyond Healthy Digital Environments Straight A Safety Toolkit Safe & Sound Students Parents for Safer Schools Best Practices Armed Assailant Drills SAFE AND SOUND Partners Safe and Sound’s Trusted Partner Network VIEW OUR PARTNERS DOWNLOAD OUR Resources facebook twitter (x) instagram linkedin youtube FOLLOW US ON Social Media Practical School Safety Solutions to Support Individuals with Special Needs Neurodiversity advocate, Jeff Snyder, and Nick Savarise from the Doug Flutie Jr. Foundation, join this special episode dedicated to supporting students with autism and other special needs. LISTEN NOW Blueprints of Safety and SROs In this episode, Mo Canady, Executive Director of NASRO, discusses the pivotal role of School Resource Officers in ensuring safe learning environments. LISTEN NOW Making School Emergency Trauma Response Accessible Dr. Savahanna Wagner and Officer Meg Soltz break down emergency trauma response in schools, offering practical insights on accessible trauma care. LISTEN NOW Testimonials CULTURE, CLIMATE & COMMUNITY Creating a safe and welcoming environment is essential to the safety and success of a school community. CULTURE, CLIMATE & COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP, LAW & POLICY Maintaining school safety includes adhering to federal, state and local laws and regulations. LEADERSHIP, LAW & POLICY OPERATIONS & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT The policies, protocols, and practices that support safety in day-to-day activity through times of crisis OPERATIONS & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT SAFETY & SECURITY Ensuring physical safety and security requires knowledge of building use, infrastructure & design, safety & security. SAFETY & SECURITY HEALTH & WELLNESS Promoting the health and wellness of our school community can help us build healthier, safer, and more successful learning environments. HEALTH & WELLNESS MENTAL & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Strong mental and behavioral health resources and programs are critical to a safe school environment. MENTAL & BEHAVIORAL HEALTH Rethinking SCHOOL SAFETY TOGETHER Explore the Safe and Sound Schools comprehensive framework today. DOWNLOAD THE FRAMEWORK LEARN MORE ©2025 Safe and Sound Schools, All rights reserved. For usage permission, submit a request.
- Especially Safe®: An Inclusive Approach to Safety Preparedness in Educational Settings (Webinar)
Join Safe and Sound Schools for a webinar focused on how safety teams can address the safety and security needs of school community members with access and functional needs (special needs). Especially Safe®: An Inclusive Approach to Safety Preparedness in Educational Settings (Webinar) BACK Join Safe and Sound Schools for a webinar focused on how safety teams can address the safety and security needs of school community members with access and functional needs (special needs). This webinar explores Safe and Sound’s newest program, Especially Safe, Developed with expert practitioners from across the disciplines, this program includes resources, tools, and teaching ideas to meet the safety needs of community members with special needs! This webinar will cover: How to use the Especially Safe® Planning & Preparation Guide and the Teaching & Training Guide How to use our TEAMS framework to operationalize your safety planning and preparation for individuals with access and functional needs Practical activities for increasing empowerment and building a positive culture of safety within your school community
- From the Classroom to the Boardroom: Addressing the Increase in School Violence (Webinar)
Join our expert panel with Michele Gay in discussion about this dangerous trend. We’ll cover how communities can restore safety and return to learning, and share best practices, insights, and key resources. From the Classroom to the Boardroom: Addressing the Increase in School Violence (Webinar) BACK Join our expert panel with Michele Gay in discussion about this dangerous trend. We’ll cover how communities can restore safety and return to learning, and share best practices, insights, and key resources. Safe and Sound Schools in partnership with Door Security & Safety Foundation Join us in a round table discussion where experts, parents, and school leaders share perspectives on school security and safety issues in our schools. Between fears of active shooters and bullying, budget concerns, building codes and local politics, these issues impact all of us. Though emotional and challenging, it’s important to learn the facts and work with experts towards immediate and long term solutions for securing school doors. Hear the perspective of a parent, school administrator, school psychologist, door security and safety professional, and a code official who will share insights, best practices and key resources to help us all successfully work together.
- School Safety: How to Start Productive Conversations in Your Community
Join Michele Gay, Founder and Executive Director of Safe and Sound Schools, and Tom McDermott, K-12 Safety & Security Coach for CEIA USA, for an engaging and informative session designed for parents, educators, and community stakeholders committed to school safety. School Safety: How to Start Productive Conversations in Your Community BACK Join Michele Gay, Founder and Executive Director of Safe and Sound Schools, and Tom McDermott, K-12 Safety & Security Coach for CEIA USA, for an engaging and informative session designed for parents, educators, and community stakeholders committed to school safety. This webinar explores how to foster productive conversations and collaboration between schools and community members, including key questions to ask, how to apply lessons learned, and strategies for building effective, layered safety solutions in your local schools. What This Session Covers: Addressing Modern Challenges: Gain insights into the current school safety landscape, understanding both recurring issues and new threats, and learn the key questions you should be asking. Engaging the Community: Discover effective strategies for parents and community members to initiate and participate in meaningful conversations with schools about safety protocols and concerns. Building Strategic Solutions: How to apply lessons learned from past incidents of school violence, as well as successful averted cases and current best practices, to help develop and support strategic, layered safety plans in your local schools. To learn more about how to have successful, respectful, and productive conversations around school safety, download our free Conversation Guide for Parents .
- Lessons in Prevention: Real Cases and Insights from the Averted School Violence Database
Join Michele Gay, Founder and Executive Director of Safe and Sound Schools, Mo Canady, Executive Director of NASRO, for a 60-minute session designed to help school safety stakeholders learn from averted acts of violence. Lessons in Prevention: Real Cases and Insights from the Averted School Violence Database BACK Join Michele Gay, Founder and Executive Director of Safe and Sound Schools, Mo Canady, Executive Director of NASRO, for a 60-minute session designed to help school safety stakeholders learn from averted acts of violence. Every day, students, parents, educators, and school-based law enforcement officers take actions — big and small — that prevent tragedies in K-12 communities. These moments of awareness, courage, and coordination often go unseen, yet they hold powerful lessons for those seeking best practices to prevent future violence. This webinar explores the Averted School Violence (ASV) Project and recognizes these meaningful acts. The discussion features real-world cases analyzed for key takeaways to help attendees recognize warning signs, strengthen safety systems, and build more resilient schools.
- Webinars | Safe and Sound | United States
Safe & Sound WEBINARS Lessons in Prevention: Real Cases and Insights from the Averted School Violence Database Join Michele Gay, Founder and Executive Director of Safe and Sound Schools, Mo Canady, Executive Director of NASRO, for a 60-minute session designed to help school safety stakeholders learn from averted acts of violence. Watch Now School Safety: How to Start Productive Conversations in Your Community Join Michele Gay, Founder and Executive Director of Safe and Sound Schools, and Tom McDermott, K-12 Safety & Security Coach for CEIA USA, for an engaging and informative session designed for parents, educators, and community stakeholders committed to school safety. Watch Now From the Classroom to the Boardroom: Addressing the Increase in School Violence (Webinar) Join our expert panel with Michele Gay in discussion about this dangerous trend. We’ll cover how communities can restore safety and return to learning, and share best practices, insights, and key resources. Watch Now Especially Safe®: An Inclusive Approach to Safety Preparedness in Educational Settings (Webinar) Join Safe and Sound Schools for a webinar focused on how safety teams can address the safety and security needs of school community members with access and functional needs (special needs). Watch Now
- Current Events | Safe and Sound | United States
Safe & Sound EVENTS “I have never heard from a more inspirational group than I have the last 2 days… I am so thankful to have heard your stories and found them so inspirational. Keep saying the names of the lives lost, keep telling your stories. Thank you!” – Nicole, Attendee EXCLUDE PAST EVENTS 2026 SOUTHEAST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT REGISTER NOW – February 26 & 27: Join Safe and Sound Schools and the Green River Regional Educational Cooperative (GRREC) for a focused two-day summit addressing emerging drug trends, substance abuse, and digital threats in today’s schools. Discover practical strategies, evidence-based approaches, and actionable insights to help protect students and support their well-being. Network with school safety leaders and peers, share experiences, and leave with tools you can apply immediately in your school or district. Start Now INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT ON THREAT ASSESSMENT REGISTER NOW - January 13-15, Beaverton, OR Join Safe and Sound Schools, Safer Schools Together, and the Beaverton School District for three transformative days of actionable insights, expert-led sessions, and invaluable connections. Open to international attendees, this is an event school leaders and BTAM teams do not want to miss! Start Now LESSONS IN PREVENTION WEBINAR REGISTER NOW - December 10th | 1-2PM ET Join Safe and Sound Schools and NASRO for an engaging and informative webinar as we explore the Averted School Violence (ASV) Project and recognize these meaningful acts. The discussion will feature real-world cases analyzed for key takeaways to help attendees recognize warning signs, strengthen safety systems, and build more resilient schools. Start Now NORTHEAST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT DETAILS COMING SOON - Chelmsford, MA Join Safe and Sound Schools for an impactful and inspiring two-day event. Learn from nationally recognized speakers, explore best practices, discover programs, and gain actionable insights. Start Now EVENT HEADLINES BPD Partners with Safe & Sound Schools for Northeast School Safety Summit October 24th through the 25th, the Burlington Police Department teamed up with the organization Safe & Sound Schools to host the Northeast School Safety Summit at the Cafe Escadrille, where professionals from all areas of school safety came together to share information and experience. READ ARTICLE CONTACT US Would you like to speak to us about hosing an event? Contact us. CONTACT US
- EVENTS
Safe and Sound EVENTS Explore our events featuring top school safety experts on today's most critical topics. HOST AN EVENT “I have never heard from a more inspirational group than I have the last 2 days… I am so thankful to have heard your stories and found them so inspirational. Keep saying the names of the lives lost, keep telling your stories. Thank you!” – Nicole, Attendee EXCLUDE PAST EVENTS LESSONS IN PREVENTION WEBINAR REGISTER NOW - December 10th | 1-2PM ET Join Safe and Sound Schools and NASRO for an engaging and informative webinar as we explore the Averted School Violence (ASV) Project and recognize these meaningful acts. The discussion will feature real-world cases analyzed for key takeaways to help attendees recognize warning signs, strengthen safety systems, and build more resilient schools. LEARN MORE INTERNATIONAL SUMMIT ON THREAT ASSESSMENT REGISTER NOW - January 13-15 Join Safe and Sound Schools, Safer Schools Together, and the Beaverton School District for three transformative days of actionable insights, expert-led sessions, and invaluable connections. Open to international attendees, this is an event school leaders and BTAM teams do not want to miss! LEARN MORE 2026 SOUTHEAST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT REGISTER NOW – February 26 & 27 Join Safe and Sound Schools and the Green River Regional Educational Cooperative (GRREC) for an impactful and inspiring two-day event. Learn from nationally recognized speakers, explore best practices, discover programs, and gain actionable insights for your schools and communities. Don’t miss your opportunity to attend! LEARN MORE NORTHEAST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT DETAILS COMING SOON Join Safe and Sound Schools for an impactful and inspiring two-day event. Learn from nationally recognized speakers, explore best practices, discover programs, and gain actionable insights. LEARN MORE 2025 MIDWEST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT This event has concluded. Join Safe and Sound Schools and the Plymouth Police Department for an impactful and inspiring two-day event. Learn from nationally recognized speakers, explore best practices, discover programs, and gain actionable insights for your schools and communities. Don’t miss your opportunity to attend! LEARN MORE THE TALL COP EMERGING DRUGS TRENDS CONFERENCE This event has concluded. Join Tall Cop Says Stop and Safe and Sound Schools for the 4th Annual Emerging Drug Trends Conference—an exclusive drug education, prevention and enforcement conference highlighting an array of superior speakers with expert knowledge. LEARN MORE GANGS, GUNS AND SCHOOL VIOLENCE PREVENTION This event has concluded. After 16 impactful years of the Gangs & Guns Training Symposium, we were proud to help expand the scope of this event to address broader aspects of school violence prevention. It was a deeply impactful event—an invaluable opportunity to lead the international conversation on school violence prevention and strengthen the connections that help keep our students, schools, and communities safe and sound LEARN MORE K-12 SCHOOLS & CAMPUS SAFETY SYMPOSIUM This event has concluded. Join Safe and Sound Schools and the Bureau Consortium for an event event is designed to bring together federal agency leaders and nationally recognized experts to deliver critical updates, actionable insights, and innovative, evidence-based solutions. LEARN MORE EASTERN WEST VIRGINIA This event has concluded. The safety of our schools and communities is a shared responsibility, and we invite you to be part of both the conversation and the solution! This summit is a timely and vital event featuring nationally recognized speakers who will guide us through best practices, innovative programs, and actionable insights. LEARN MORE SOUTHEAST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT 2024 This event has concluded. Rethink school safety at the Southeast School Safety Summit. Learn and network with nationally recognized experts and walk away with best practices and programs for comprehensive school safety. LEARN MORE NATIONAL SUMMIT ON SCHOOL SAFETY This event has concluded. Join us for three days of inspiring keynotes, expert panels, and deep-dive breakout sessions led by another incredible line-up of national school safety leaders and practitioners. LEARN MORE MIDWEST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT This event has concluded. Join Safe and Sound Schools and Michigan State University’s Prevent 2 Protect Project for the 2024 Midwest School Safety Summit! LEARN MORE Host an Event Be a Champion in Your Community The Burlington Police Department teamed up with the Safe & Sound Schools to host the Northeast School Safety Summit at the Cafe Escadrille, where professionals from all areas of school safety came together to share information and experience. READ ARTICLE Interested in bringing a school safety event to your community? Safe and Sound Schools is here to support your efforts with expert guidance and resources. Contact us today to learn how we can collaborate to make your school community safer and more prepared. CONTACT US NEED A KEYNOTE SPEAKER? WE CAN HELP. Many of our premier events feature speakers from the Safe and Sound Speakers Bureau. With more than 23 advocates and experts, you are sure to find the right fit for your next event. PAUL TIMM PSP, Physical Security Expert MOLLY BRADLEY HUDGENS School Counselor and Congressional Medal of Honor Citizens Honor Recipient MICHELE GAY Founder and Executive Director of Safe and Sound Schools Sandy Hook Parent MISSY DODDS Survivor of the Red Lake High School Shooting FRANK DEANGELIS Retired Principal of Columbine High School VIEW ALL SPEAKERS Partner with Safe and Sound Schools TO BRING A SUMMIT TO YOUR COMMUNITY Interested in bringing a Safe and Sound Schools Summit to your area? Please complete the form below, and a member of our team will be in touch soon!
- 2026 SOUTHEAST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT
REGISTER NOW – February 26 & 27: Join Safe and Sound Schools and the Green River Regional Educational Cooperative (GRREC) for a focused two-day summit addressing emerging drug trends, substance abuse, and digital threats in today’s schools. Discover practical strategies, evidence-based approaches, and actionable insights to help protect students and support their well-being. Network with school safety leaders and peers, share experiences, and leave with tools you can apply immediately in your school or district. 2026 SOUTHEAST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT REGISTER NOW Advancing School Safety Through Modern Violence Prevention Bringing together national experts and local leaders for two days of keynotes and expert panels, attendees will explore emerging drug trends, substance abuse, and digital threats facing today’s schools. Using the Safe and Sound Schools’ Comprehensive School Safety model, this summit provides practical, evidence-based strategies to protect students and support their well-being. Mental and Behavioral Health Health and Wellness Physical Safety and Security Culture, Climate, and Community Leadership, Law, and Policy Operation and Emergency Management The Southeast Summit will focus on bridging relationships to implement a “ whole community” approach to school safety. It truly takes a diverse team to ensure the safety of our schools, so gather your team and join us for this exciting event! EILA and PD Credit Hours: 7 credits per day (14 total) Certificates will be available at the end of each day START DATE: February 26, 2026 LOCATION: Bowling Green, KY END DATE: February 27, 2026 BACK 2026 SOUTHEAST SCHOOL SAFETY SUMMIT REGISTER NOW – February 26 & 27: Join Safe and Sound Schools and the Green River Regional Educational Cooperative (GRREC) for a focused two-day summit addressing emerging drug trends, substance abuse, and digital threats in today’s schools. Discover practical strategies, evidence-based approaches, and actionable insights to help protect students and support their well-being. Network with school safety leaders and peers, share experiences, and leave with tools you can apply immediately in your school or district. REGISTER NOW
- Resources | Safe and Sound Schools | United States
Explore the library of Safe and Sound Schools resources. Safe & Sound RESOURCES Guides & Downloads GUIDE TO SAFER ONLINE PRACTICES We often describe school safety and student well-being as the ultimate team sport — it truly takes all of us. That’s why we’ve partnered with Snap Inc. to provide resources that empower parents, caregivers, and educators to help foster safer online environments for students. EXPLORE BTAM & ASD E-GUIDE Ideal for leaders and front-line staff, this guide provides best practice guidance to law enforcement agencies, leaders, and practitioners, as well as school officials, behavioral health specialists, parents, and community stakeholders. EXPLORE HEALTHY DIGITAL PRACTICES Building on insights from roundtable discussions with district and school administrators, mental health professionals, educators, and law enforcement officials, Safe and Sound Schools, Snapchat, and leading school safety experts joined forces to develop this toolkit. EXPLORE THE TOOLKITS Based on our Straight-A Safety Model, our free toolkits are a way to rethink school safety, designed to help communities facilitate conversations, problem-solving, and partnerships within the school community. EXPLORE CONVERSATION GUIDE FOR PARENTS Navigating conversations about school safety can feel overwhelming. Approaching these discussions thoughtfully can build trust, foster collaboration, and ensure that safety initiatives are effective for every student. Download this guide for practical tips and insights to engage in constructive, informed, and impactful dialogue with school leaders. EXPLORE Programs & Training Resources ASV DATABASE Established in 2015, the Averted School Violence database has been rebuilt to enhance reporting and maximize impact. Join our mission to improve school safety and prevent future violence by anonymously and securely submitting an averted incident for review. EXPLORE PARENTS FOR SAFER SCHOOLS Designed to help parents and caregivers become school safety advocates and leaders of positive change, this program provides supplemental resources designed to help educate and inspire advocating with authority and credibility, and lead school safety initiatives in their communities. EXPLORE SAFE AND SOUND STUDENT CLUB Safe and Sound Students is a program designed to help students learn and get involved in school safety. The program equips students with resources to help them become advocates, leaders, agents of change, and tools to help them navigate and address school safety issues. EXPLORE STAYING SAFE Recognizing the unique needs of the school environment, Safe and Sound Schools has tailored this program to address the specific roles and responsibilities of school personnel, ensuring that the training is as relevant and effective as possible in a school context. EXPLORE Additional Resources BLOG Our blog brings together news, opinions, and expertise from a wide variety of respected industry experts. Explore today to learn more about how you can contribute to building a culture of safety in your community. READ BLOG PODCAST Join Michele Gay, founder and Director of Safe and Sound Schools and a mother who lost her child tragically in the Sandy Hook School tragedy, as she discusses practical and inspiring ways we can work together to ensure safer schools for all. VIEW EPISODES ANNUAL REPORTS Sound Schools Annual Report serves as a testament to the significant milestones we've reached together and the invaluable partnerships helping us advance our mission of protecting every school, every student, every day. REVIEW REPORTS POST CRISIS SUPPORT NETWORK Explore a network of survivors and safety professionals who can provide support during the recovery process. The road to recovery is long and unique to each individual affected. This is hard, emotional, and often, overwhelming. And it takes time. EXPLORE
- Averted School Violence Project | Safe and Sound Schools | United States
The Averted School Violence (ASV) Project provides foundational evidence-based research to support efforts to stop targeted school attacks by building sustainable, community-based prevention and intervention services, education, and consultation services The AVERTED SCHOOL VIOLENCE PROJECT The Averted School Violence Program creates a data-driven approach to stopping targeted school attacks by building sustainable, community-based prevention and intervention strategies. GET TRAINING Frank Straub, PhD Senior Director of Violence Prevention Research and Programs WHAT IS The Averted School Violence Project? Following the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy, the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Community Oriented Policing (COPS) convened a national school safety advisory group to provide recommendations on how to prevent future school shootings and other acts of violence on school campuses. One key recommendation stood out among the others: Build a national repository of cases where school violence was stopped before it occurred. Based on these recommendations, the DOJ’s COPS Office allocated funding for the National Policing Institute (formerly the Police Foundation) to establish and maintain the Averted School Violence (ASV) database. From 2015 to 2023, the National Policing Institute built a strong foundation of research and reports that shaped school safety practices nationwide. In 2023, Dr. Frank Straub, who previously served as the founder and director of the National Policing Institute’s Center for Targeted Violence Prevention, as well as ASV’s project lead, secured a new home for the database right here with Safe and Sound Schools. The transfer, improvement in functionality, and expansion of the Averted School Violence Database was made possible through Prevent 2 Protect, a Michigan Department of Education Pilot Project. ASV and Safe and Sound, founded out of the same tragedy and on the same mission to protect every school, every student, every day, are now united to create a more powerful, data-driven tool that empowers school safety leaders to prevent tragedy before it occurs. EXPLORE THE DATABASE The Enhanced ASV Database and New Website With ASV’s move to Safe and Sound Schools, and the expanded support of partners like the Motorola Foundation and National Association of School Resource Officers (NASRO), we’ve enhanced the platform’s value by making it more accessible, more actionable, and more useful in the day-to-day work of preventing violence in our schools. With a new website and streamlined submission process, it’s now easier for SROs, school officials, and safety professionals to securely share cases of averted or completed violence. Additionally, we’ve added new filters and features to help users sort through cases by variables like school type, intervention type, threat source, and more. Most importantly, we’ve focused on ensuring the database isn’t just a storage tool—it’s a living resource that fuels evidence-based training and community conversations. CHECK IT OUT Take Action Join our mission to improve school safety and prevent future violence by anonymously and securely submitting an averted incident for review. SUBMIT A CASE PROGRAM PROGRAM Highlights The Averted School Violence Project helps safety leaders keep their communities safe by: Establishing a place where school personnel, law enforcement officers, mental health professionals, and others involved in school safety can share their averted school violence stories and lessons learned, in order to improve school safety and help prevent future tragedies. Providing real-life scenarios that can help guide the development of sustainable, community-based prevention and intervention strategies. Providing evidence-based research to support efforts to stop targeted school attacks by building sustainable, community-based prevention and intervention services, education, and consultation services. Keeping submissions anonymous, secure, non-punitive, and confidential. Bring Safe and Sound Training TO YOUR SCHOOL, DISTRICT OR ORGANIZATION! Our expert team is dedicated to empowering school safety stakeholders across the U.S. and beyond with training and tailored consulting. If none of our existing programs are the perfect fit, we also offer customized consulting to help you strengthen your school safety efforts. Please complete the form below to get started, and a member of our team will be in touch soon! Lessons in Prevention: A Free Webinar Every day, students, parents, educators, and school-based law enforcement officers take actions — big and small — that prevent tragedies in K-12 communities. These moments of awareness, courage, and coordination often go unseen, yet they hold powerful lessons for those seeking best practices to prevent future violence. This webinar explores the Averted School Violence (ASV) Project and recognizes these meaningful acts. The discussion features real-world cases analyzed for key takeaways to help attendees recognize warning signs, strengthen safety systems, and build more resilient schools.






