Allendale County Schools STOP School Violence Program

Allendale County Schools (ACS) in southern South Carolina will implement and deliver a districtwide program. This proposal outlines a comprehensive plan in Allendale County between ACS, law enforcement, behavioral health providers, community partners, and university scientists to prevent and reduce school violence by implementing a districtwide initiative to improve student safety and promote a positive school climate. Per the objectives of Category 2, we will develop a comprehensive and coordinated response to school violence by integrating grant resources with existing personnel to: (1) expand access to behavioral health services, support staff, and school resources for students in crisis by hiring a social worker; (2) promote a positive school climate to increase safety by hiring site-based climate specialists; (3) institute a districtwide evidence-based anti-bullying program to prevent and reduce school violence; (4) provide trauma-informed training for school resource officers, teachers, administrators, and other school staff to recognize trauma behavior and ensure an appropriate response; and (5) conduct a scientific mixed-methods program evaluation to provide feedback and identify improvement opportunities.