Connecticut launches school-safety programs

Connecticut recently launched three school safety programs — Start With Hello, Say Something, and SOS Signs of Suicide — designed to increase school safety.

The programs will help train students, educators, and school administrators identify, assess, intervene, and get help for those exhibiting at-risk behaviors. They are a partnership between the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and Sandy Hook Promise.

Connecticut will receive $500,000 to operate the programs from the federal STOP School Violence Act.

“Today’s announcement is a crucial step in Connecticut’s efforts to prevent school violence,” Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said. “We have made real progress since the tragedy at Sandy Hook – from passing some of the toughest gun safety laws in the country, to allocating more than $50 million toward improving school security – and Connecticut students are safer for those efforts. Sandy Hook Promise has been an invaluable ally in those endeavors, and this new partnership will train students to help prevent further tragedies.”

“Start With Hello” trains students to be more socially inclusive.

“Say Something” trains students how to recognize signs of an individual who may be a threat to themselves or others.

“SOS Signs of Suicide” teaches students, educators, and school administrators how to spot the warning signs of youth suicide.