A Comprehensive Approach to Youth Violence Prevention

The SS/HS Initiative is a unique Federal grant-making program designed to prevent violence and substance abuse among our Nation's youth, schools, and communities.

The Federal Government is committed to reducing school violence. The SS/HS Initiative is an unprecedented collaborative grant program supported by three Federal agencies-the U.S. Departments of Education, Health and Human Services, and Justice. The SS/HS Initiative seeks to develop real-world knowledge about what works best to promote safe and healthy environments in which America's children can learn and develop.

Since 1999, more than 276 urban, rural, suburban, and tribal school districts-in collaboration with local mental health and juvenile justice providers-have received grants using a single application process. These grantees are implementing comprehensive programs that address all of the following five elements:

1. •Element 1: Safe school environments and violence prevention activities.
   

2. •Element 2: Alcohol and other drug prevention activities.
   

3. •Element 3: Student behavioral, social, and emotional supports.
   

4. •Element 4: Mental health services.
   

5. •Element 5: Early childhood social and emotional learning programs.