Previous Homepage Features for SafeYouth.org
A New Direction for the National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center (NYVPRC)
Over the summer and early fall 2007, the NYVPRC undertook an evaluation of its mission and resources. The primary purpose of this evaluation was to determine the ideal role for the NYVPRC in the youth violence prevention field and how to best position the resource center to respond to emerging needs. Based on this evaluation, a strategic change was made for the NYVPRC shifting from its original focus on serving the general public to a more limited focus on serving key local government and community leaders who are best positioned to plan, implement, and sustain community-wide youth violence prevention strategies.
Effective October 2007, the mission of the NYVPRC is to provide key leaders in communities—local government leaders and community leaders—with dynamic resources to help support their efforts to plan, develop, implement, and evaluate effective youth violence prevention efforts. Audiences previously served by the NYVPRC are being directed to resources from other federal sources that provide information and support formerly provided by the NYVPRC. See About Us for more complete details about the new direction for the NYVPRC.
New Release from the Administration for Children and Families, Child Maltreatment 2006
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
New Spotlight on the States from the Children's Safety Network: Preventing Bullying in Virginia
New Blog from the US Department of Justice: Juvenile Justice Connection
Audio Portion of the Children's Safety Network's Bullying Prevention Webinar Now Available
Announcement of Soon-to-be-Released Training Resources from UNITY
Resources to Prepare for National Child Abuse Prevention Month (April 2008)
Resources to Prepare for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (April 2008)
New Education Development Center’s Eyes On Bullying Website
New Release From The Finance Project, Using CDBG to Support Community-Based Youth Programs
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Building Healthy Teen Relationships Initiative
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Day of Action, April 3, 2008
New Release from HRSA's Stop Bullying Now, What Adults Can Do: Q&A With Stan Davis
New Release from HRSA's Stop Bullying Now, What Adults Can Do: Cyberbullying
New Injury Data Available Through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's WISQARS
Philadelphia Collaborative Violence Prevention Center's Recently Launched Website
Center for Injury Research and Prevention's Recently Updated Factsheets
Antibullying Legislation: A Public Health Perspective
Community Guide to Helping America’s Youth
New Release of the Hamilton Fish Institute News
Proceedings from the 2007 National Conference on Safe Schools
February 4-8, 2008 is National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week
Suicide Trends Among Youths and Young Adults Aged 10-24 Years—United States, 1990-2004
Private Sources Essential for Intervention
Amid Violence, Focus Is on Youth
New Study Finds Decline in Single-Victim School-Associated Violent Deaths
Plan in Jeffco Would Align Teen Services
Gang Experts: Redirect Youth to Curb Violence
Lawmakers Ready to Consider Sweeping Gang Bill
‘Lunch and Learn’ Program Funded
Gang Experts Think Some Programs Are Effective or Show Promise
Sacramento Anxious for Answers to Youth Violence
New Release from the National Organization for Youth Safety, Press Releases 101
New Release of the US Department of Justice's OJJDP News at a Glance
January is National Mentoring Month
New Release from the US Department of Justice, Indicators of School Crime and Safety: 2007
National Crime Prevention Association Kick Off
National Crime Prevention Council's Public Advertising Campaign Aimed at Cyberbullying Prevention
New Release of the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention's News at a Glance
Grant to combat youth violence
Just Released 2006 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
The National Youth Anti-Drug Media Campaign
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
HRSA takes "Stop Bullying Now!" message to Disney
The Cost of Violence in the United States
This CDC fact sheet provides evidence of the large health and economic burden of violence in the United States.
Youth Violence: Facts at a Glance
This CDC fact sheet provides a summary of statistics covering youth violence, school violence, violence-related behaviors, non fatal injuries and school associated violence deaths.
National HIV Testing Day, June 27
On June 27, 2007, the National Association of People with AIDS (NAPWA) held its fifteenth annual National HIV Testing Day (NHTD). Approximately 30,000 national organizations participated in events to encourage early diagnosis and routine testing and counseling for HIV/AIDS.
School Violence — The Virginia Tech Tragedy
Safe schools are essential to young people's ability to learn and develop healthy relationships. The tragic shootings on the campus of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (4/16/07) have raised many questions, including issues related to school violence and mental illness. The National Youth Violence Prevention Resource Center (NYVPRC) staff can offer assistance with locating resource materials and information sharing related to strategies used by schools, health professionals, and communities.
Spotlight on the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS)
NOYS is a collaborative network of federal agencies and national organizations that serve youth and focus on youth safety and health. The mission of NOYS is to promote youth empowerment and leadership and build partnerships that will save lives, prevent injuries, and promote safe and healthy lifestyles among all youth.
Mental Health Month 2007: Mind Your Health
Observed in May, Mental Health Month raises awareness about mental illnesses and the importance of mental wellness for all.
Children’s Mental Health Week- May 6-12, 2007
Sponsored by the Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health Week, Children's Mental Health Week is an annual observance designed to increase awareness about children with emotional and behavioral disorders and to educate communities about these disorders and their impact on families.
A Family Guide to Keeping Youth Mentally Healthy & Drug Free
This public education website developed by SAMHSA to communicate to parents and other caring adults about how they can help promote their child's mental health and reduce his or her risk for becoming involved with alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs.
National Missing Children’s Day- May 25, 2007
In 1983, President Ronald Regan proclaimed May 25th to be National Missing Children's Day. This annual reminder to the nation seeks to renew efforts to reunite missing children with their families and make child protection a national priority.
Spotlight on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Violence Prevention Resource Centers
In 1992, CDC established the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) as the lead federal agency for violence prevention. Within NCIPC, the Division of Violence Prevention (DVP) focuses on primary prevention or stopping violence before it begins. DVP funds an array of prevention resource centers that serve as comprehensive collection and distribution centers for information, research, and training on violence prevention and intervention.
National Crime Victims' Rights Week
Each year in the month of April, the Office for The U.S. Department of Justice Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) has helped lead communities throughout the country in their observances of National Crime Victims' Rights Week (NCVRW). During the week, a host of commemorative activities are held in order to promote public awareness about victims' rights and available services.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
Observed in April, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is dedicated to making a concerted effort to raise awareness of sexual violence, increasing awareness regarding its devastating effects, and to support affected children and families.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and encourage individuals and communities to support children and families. The Child Welfare Information Gateway (formerly the National Clearinghouse on Child Abuse and Neglect Information and the National Adoption Information Clearinghouse) provides links to Federal and national organizations that support child abuse prevention initiatives.
April is Alcohol Awareness Month
To recognize the serious problem of alcohol abuse, April is designated "Alcohol Awareness Month." Sponsored by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), this annual observance encourages local communities to focus on alcoholism and alcohol-related abuse.
U.S. Surgeon General Issues First Call to Action on Underage Drinking
Developed in collaboration with the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the U.S. Surgeon General's Office appeals to Americans to do more to stop America's 11 million current underage drinkers from using alcohol, and to keep other young people from starting. This Call to Action identifies six goals and seeks to change the culture and attitudes toward drinking in America.
U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free suicide prevention service available to anyone in suicidal crisis.
National Inhalants and Poisons Awareness Week-March 18-24, 2007
NIPAW is an annual media-based, community-level program designed to increase understanding about the use and risks of inhalant involvement.
National Children of Alcoholics Week
National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACoA) sponsors this annual observance. NACoA's mission is to advocate for all children and families affected by alcoholism and other drug dependencies.
No Name Calling Week, January 22-26, 2007
No Name-Calling Week is an annual week of educational activities aimed at ending name-calling of all kinds and providing schools with the tools and inspiration to launch an on-going dialogue about ways to eliminate bullying in their communities.
December is National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month
December has been designated by Presidential Proclamation as National Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month (also known as 3D Month). Since 1981, every President of the United States has demonstrated his commitment to preventing impaired driving by striving to increase public awareness and prevention and supporting public- and private-sector organizations committed to preventing crashes caused by impaired driving. Recent research underscores the continuing need for this emphasis, particularly among America’s youth.
School Violence Prevention Resources
The nation has been shocked by several instances of school violence in recent weeks. These tragedies underscore the need for schools to develop and invest in prevention, intervention, and crisis response plans. Parents want information to reassure their children and advocate for the safety of their schools. Students themselves feel the effect of these traumas keenly, and want to learn more about how they can make a difference in preventing violence. The following resources can help schools, parents, and students constructively respond to recent violence, gain awareness, and take action to promote school safety in the future.
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month is observed every October across the country. National, state, and community organizations for violence prevention and victim services, businesses, health care providers, and others mark the month with educational programs, recognition and memorial ceremonies, community outreach, and other efforts.
Choose Respect to Prevent Teen Dating Abuse
CDC's Choose Respect initiative teaches youth ages 11 to 14 about teen dating abuse and forming healthy relationships, through an interactive Web site and activities in 10 U.S. cities. It provides information and educational tools to adolescents, parents, caregivers, and teachers to challenge harmful beliefs about unhealthy, violent relationship behaviors and reinforce positive attitudes about respectful relationships.
New Guide to Federal Grants for Youth Development
Published by America's Promise, a coalition of communities, organizations, businesses, and individuals supporting youth development programs, the Guide to Federal Resources for Youth Development lists more than 100 federal grant programs available to support youth development programs.
New Book Addresses Ethnicity and Culture in Youth Violence Prevention
Preventing Youth Violence in a Multicultural Society is a new collaboration by several researchers from the CDC's Academic Centers of Excellence on Youth Violence Prevention (ACEs). This book considers how to approach ethnicity and culture when designing and implementing youth violence prevention programs, and discusses special considerations for different ethnic groups.
Tips for Teachers: Marking Disaster Anniversaries in the Classroom
This fact sheet was prepared as a resource to help children deal with normal recovery issues that may be triggered by the anniversary of a disaster. The activities suggested here might be helpful as you anticipate and address issues that may emerge. It can be adapted for use with any disaster and can be used any time from the first day following the disaster to one or more years later.
Jan./Feb. 2007 PREVENT Institute: Developing Leaders in Violence Prevention - Applications Due Sept. 29
The intensive 6-month PREVENT Institute: Developing Leaders in Violence Prevention will help multi-organizational teams prevent violence before it starts. The Institute builds skills to enhance leadership for violence prevention and social change; plan, implement, evaluate and sustain evidence-based prevention efforts; communicate effectively with policy makers, media and other stakeholders; and develop partnerships and extend networks.
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day - May 8
National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day is an initiative of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to coincide with Mental Health Month in May. This designated day is an opportunity for SAMHSA and SAMHSA-funded organizations to promote resilience, recovery, and the transformation of mental health services delivery for children and youth with serious mental health needs and their families.
S.A.V.E. (Students Against Violence Everywhere) Summit April 1
Each year the National Association of Students Against Violence Everywhere hosts an annual summit for students, advisors, and community members to celebrate the success of SAVE chapters for the year. Chapter members lead workshop sessions, display accomplishments in Exhibit Alley, and have the opportunity to network with students from across the country.
Journal Spotlights Youth Violence Prevention Training for Health Care Professionals
The December, 2005, issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine included a supplement, "Training Health Care Professionals in the Prevention of Youth Violence". This publication is a collaboration of the CDC and its grantees, the Academic Centers of Excellence on Youth Violence Prevention (ACEs), and includes several articles detailing ACE projects.
Resources for Social Workers
Social workers who interact with young people are on the front lines of youth violence prevention. Because emotional and behavioral health problems are often associated with violence among young people, social workers have the opportunity to stop youth violence before it starts. Here are several items of particular interest to social workers, all available through SafeYouth.org.
National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week Feb. 6-10
The Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Initiative is a movement spearheaded by teenagers across the nation to make a stand and put a stop to teen dating violence. Led by the American Bar Association, with funding from the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, and co-sponsored by dozens of other organizations, teenagers from across the country developed toolkits at a 2004 national awareness and education summit. The toolkits are now at high schools in in every state in conjunction with National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Week, February 6-10, 2006, as proclaimed by Congress.
Resources for Schools and Educators
Violence committed by and against youth is a major concern of educators nationwide. Bullying, school violence, gangs, and teen suicide challenge our schools and classrooms, and school safety issues command more attention than ever. Here are several items of particular interest to educators, all available through SafeYouth.org.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). During this month, sexual violence prevention advocates promote activities to raise awareness of sexual assault and its prevention. This year, Sexual Assault Awareness Month activities and events focused on the importance of developing healthy, respectful relationships as a positive step in the prevention of sexual violence.
New Adolescent Health Guide for States and Communities
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) have released Improving the Health of Adolescents & Young Adults: A Guide for States and Communities, which offers guidance for planning and implementing programs for healthy youth. Using the framework provided by the Guide, agencies and organizations can assess needs and assets, establish priorities, take collective action, measure progress toward their shared goals for adolescents and young adults, and take advantage of the synergy that results when state- local-, and community-level programs are in synchrony with national goals.
What Health Care Practitioners Can Do to Prevent Youth Violence
Suggested areas of study, clinical approaches, and volunteer and advocacy activities addressing youth violence, from the American Medical Association Commission for the Prevention of Youth Violence.