WEEA: Mayor Scott Announces School-Based Violence Intervention Program

(Baltimore, MD) -- Baltimore is taking another step in trying to stop school violence.

Mayor Brandon Scott has announced the start of a school-based violence intervention program.

Under the program, school-based specialists will work with youth, school administrators and families to create a positive school climate, strengthen youth problem solving and conflict-management skills and strengthen student academic performance.

“Impactful and sustainable change begins with our young people. For the first time in Baltimore, we are meeting them where they are and integrating intervention methods into their daily lives,” said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “As leaders and educators, it is our responsibility to ensure that our young people have all of the tools they need to not just survive but thrive.”

The program will also work on building interpersonal skills in communication, problem solving, conflict resolution and management, emotional regulation management and behavioral skills.

The intervention staff will provide support to students identified as being at a high-risk of participating in violence.

“No one organization alone – whether it be the City of Baltimore, Baltimore City Public Schools (City Schools), or Baltimore Police - can tackle violence in our community. We must collaborate and engage to make our city safer,” said Baltimore City Public Schools CEO Dr. Sonja Santelises. "Violence claimed the lives of 12 school-aged children last academic year, and City Schools relies on community partnerships like MONSE and Mayor Scott's pilot program to reduce the violence through alternative solutions that address the real issues behind the harm.”

The school-based violence intervention programming will begin during the spring semester of the 2022-2023 school year.

Article contributed by source.metronetworks.com

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