NCJ Number
154775
Date Published
1994
Length
132 pages
Annotation
In focusing on violence prevention in schools and communities, nine sections of this Pennsylvania resource directory deal with conflict resolution and mediation, gangs, suicide, crisis response, family violence, diversity, school policies, community collaboration, and training resources.
Abstract
Conflict resolution and mediation programs have been a successful component of many community-based negotiation efforts, and several national organizations have implemented school mediation programs. In addition, certain community mediation centers have initiated peer mediation programs in local school districts. Peer mediation is a process by which one or more neutral student mediators help their peers reach mutually acceptable conflict solutions. To combat juvenile gang activities, community and school leaders must share information and collaborate on a wide range of strategies to prevent gang violence and crime. Because suicide is one of the leading causes of death for young people between 15 and 24 years of age, professionals who work with youth need to be aware of resources that can help those affected by suicide. Crisis response in schools is important to help students and staff deal with their feelings in healthy and healing ways. Family violence resources can help educators identify the many manifestations of family violence, people who can work with children and families, and ways of reducing the effects of family violence on classroom behavior. Diversity resources reflect the responsibility of teachers and school administrators to meet the learning and support needs of each student. School policies constitute an integral part of dealing with school violence, and community collaboration is essential in dealing with school violence. Training resources are important in educating school staff and students about conflict resolution, alternative discipline methods, and school safety. Each section of the directory lists resources pertinent to the topic, including videos, curricula, staff development, articles, research, and training. An index contains an alphabetical list of resource titles, and an appendix lists agencies and programs that offer services at the local level.