DC School Safety Resource Guide
As you use these resources, please reach out to Hillary Desir ([email protected], 202-427-2209) with any feedback, questions, or concerns.
| Resource and Contact Information |
Description ALL SCHOOLS |
Case Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 911 | First call for any safety concerns in which there is a police, fire or medical emergency. | Call 911 if there is a situation that could, or does, pose a danger to life, property, or both; if there is a suspicious activity involving a person(s) or vehicle that appears to have criminal intent. Also, if there is any situation that requires immediate dispatch of an officer, or to report a serious crime, such as robbery, violence, or sexual assault. |
|
1pm Daily Law Enforcement Call Participating Agencies: MPD, WMATA, DCPS, DMPSJ, PCSB, DCPS Special Police Schools should text information to be included in this this call to 202-340-7059 by 12:30 pm daily. |
Daily 1 pm discussion among public safety agencies of recent incidences including bomb threats, large fights etc. for awareness and response coordination. Schools should text information and incidents for inclusion in this coordinating call. | If MPD or DCPS Special Police has responded to a large fight, this call is where they make the situation known to relevant stakeholders and determine next steps. This may mean following up with school leaders or increasing presence around a metro station or neighborhood during dismissal. Additional items like upcoming sports games and school events are shared out so appropriate coverage can be coordinated |
|
On-Call Watch Commander (School Resource Officer Commander)
202-438-1656 |
An open hotline primarily utilized for coordinating SRO resources. | You’ve already called 911 but would like to follow up and connect for an SRO to be deployed to follow up |
| Resource and Contact Information |
Description
|
Case Examples |
|---|---|---|
|
MPD Youth Engagement Branch
Captain Paul Hrebenak 202-643-8471 |
Support from law enforcement that specialize in school safety (e.g., supporting with mediation, in-school programming & presentations, outreach, and summer programs) | Several students have had an on-going disagreement, school leaders may reach out to request support with mediation. |
|
District Department of Transportation – Crossing Guards
James Strange, Associate Director for Traffic Operations |
Department of Transportation deploys school crossing guards across the city to support student commutes during rush hours. This office also manages Traffic Control Officers who work to support safe and easy commutes alongside school crossing guards. complete the form here; SCG_Request_Form-.pdf (dc.gov) Read more on what to expect after submission here; School Crossing Guard Request Form (dc.gov) | If traffic and commute conditions during arrival and dismissal near your school building feel unsafe, you can request the Department of Transportation complete a safety assessment to determine the need for a crossing guard, traffic control or other resources for your school community. |
|
Child and Family Services Agency
Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Hotline 202-671-7233 |
CFSA takes reports of child abuse and neglect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This hotline is the gateway to protection and help for child victims and those at risk up to age 18 in the District of Columbia. | You have reason to suspect a child is being abused or neglected. Review signs of child abuse and neglect to help determine when to call. |
|
Educational Neglect Triage Unit
Joseph Osiecki [email protected] |
This unit assists schools and families by responding to referrals with the following barriers to attendance (including but not limited to): transportation, housing insecurity, navigating immunization needs, enrollment support, linkage to community resources, and providing education to school personnel and families surrounding attendance reporting. | Student has an increase in unexcused absences due to caregiver’s work schedule. Morning transportation to school is not an issue, but afternoon transport is a barrier due to the parent’s work schedule. The unit explores transportation recommendations and community-based resources with the family to assist with current barriers to attendance. |
| Resource and Contact Information |
Description
|
Case Examples |
|---|---|---|
|
Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) Crisis Response Team
Charter Schools: Erica Barnes, School Mental Health Branch Chief [email protected] 202-295-7037
DCPS Schools: Nigel Jackson, Director of School Mental Health 202-374-8702 |
The school has experienced a crisis (death or other traumatic event) and needs increased mental health resources and/or grief counseling. | A student who attends your school, a neighboring school, or lives in community was injured or killed. Students and staff need support in processing the loss. |
|
One Common Unity (Funded by The Office of Gun Violence Prevention) Ashlyn Harty (340) 626-9966 |
OCU's Peace Together program offers therapeutic support to youth in D.C that have been impacted by Gun Violence. Supports include mental health therapy, or a community-based crisis intervention where their team goes to the community to provide a healing space for youth. The Peace Together program also offers consultations to adults who are working with youth impacted by gun violence, such as teachers, first responders, and parents. |
A school community who has lost a student or faculty member to gun violence can reach out to OCU's Peace Together program for support. Peace Together responds within 24 hours of the request and begins planning with the school on ways to support specific individuals or a larger group of youth at the school that have been impacted by the loss. |
|
Parent and Adolescent Support Services (PASS) Intensive Case Management
[email protected] |
Intensive early intervention supports for youth exhibiting at-risk behaviors. | There is a student in your school community who is engaging in behaviors such as skipping school (truancy), leaving home without permission, not returning home by curfew, and/or exhibiting extreme disobedience in and/or outside the home. |
| Resource and Contact Information |
Description
|
Case Examples |
|---|---|---|
|
OSSE Restorative Justice Professional Development and Technical Assistance 202-716-6945
SchoolTalk/RestorativeDC 202-907-6887 |
OSSE, in partnership with SchoolTalk’s RestorativeDC, offers a series of trainings and workshops to introduce and explore key elements of restorative justice in schools. The sessions are highly participatory, allowing school staff to immerse themselves in restorative practices through guided exercises, role plays, and other experiential learning opportunities.
RestorativeDC also provides targeted technical assistance (TA), which includes school-level customized support to address a specific critical need, identifying root causes of concern and developing a tailored solution. Schools are invited to apply for TA each year in the Spring. |
Individuals who are interested in learning more about Restorative Practices and how it can foster positive and more inclusive school climates, are invited to attend any of the city-wide trainings. School teams wanting assistance in what implementation looks like at their school may apply for Technical Assistance in the Spring to prepare and receive the support the following school year. More advanced schools ready to make a long-term commitment and who have already received TA may then apply to receive Whole School Implementation support, which includes intensive and collaborative technical support and coaching over three to five years. |
|
The Institute for Youth Development
Kevin Cataldo (202) 701-8674 |
The Institute for Youth Development provides quality training for all adults who work with children and youth in Out of School Time (OST) programs. These adults are also called youth development practitioners. Youth development practitioners deepen their understanding of positive youth development, engage in best practices, and improve services to youth. | Your staff would benefit from professional development workshops on various topics to include the Youth Development Series, Youth Work Methods Series, Social Emotional Youth Methods Series, and more. Workshops are available throughout the year; organizations can request training specifically for their team. Professional Development training is offered both virtually and in-person throughout the District of Columbia. |
| Resource and Contact Information |
Description SCHOOLS IN SAFE PASSAGE PRIORITY AREAS |
Case Examples |
|---|---|---|
|
Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education School Safety Support
Hillary Desir 202-427-2209 |
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education is invested in supporting schools in navigating city resources and connecting to appropriate agency partners. For support with safety related challenges, contact Hillary Desir. | If a particular student or circumstance your school team has been supporting is proving more challenging than you expected you can reach out, share the circumstance and receive support in determine if there are any relevant District resources available. |
|
Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement - Leadership Academy
[email protected] |
.ONSE Leadership Academy Utilizes a positive youth development model to increase resiliency and protective factors for at-risk youth. Including individual goal planning, behavioral guidance, and tailored enrichment activities. |
There is a group of students presenting with persistent challenges, you may be interested in reaching out to see if your school can become a participating site. |
|
Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants
To contact the hotline, dial or text 1-844-4HELPDC (1-844-443-5732) or access the online chat at https://dcvictim.org/dcvh-chat/. |
.Through a partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants and the National Center for Victims of Crime, the hotline provides comprehensive information, resources and referrals in the District of Columbia to those who have been victims of a crime. | A student in your school community, or a member of their family is a victim of a crime. If you believe they may need access to free resources and to help them navigate the physical, financial, legal, and emotional repercussions of crime, contact the hotline. |
|
DC School Connect
Sinjoyla Townsend [email protected] (202) 645-0340 |
DC SchoolConnect provides micro transportation for select public and public charter schools in Wards 7 and 8 via dedicated buses for students in grades K-12. | School leaders can refer families who would benefit from micro transit based on need; student has been chronically absent; caregivers are concerned about safety during their student commute, a student is threatening or being targeted during their student commute. Contact DC For Hire Vehicles to determine availability. |
| Resource and Contact Information |
Description
|
Case Examples |
|---|---|---|
|
Violence Prevention and Intervention Liaison (DMPSJ)
Jasmin Benab 202-805-4263 |
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice (DMPSJ) manages several credible contact programs. Ms. Benab can provide support activating violence prevention services in neighborhoods where there is conflict involving students. | Students in your school who have known neighborhood/crew affiliations are in conflict with one another. You are unsure of the details but believe things might escalate while students are at school or out in the community. |
|
Safe Passage, Safe Blocks
Ciatta Ramble Savoy 202-374-7825 |
Safe Passage, Safe Blocks is a violence prevention program positioning trusted adults on the path to and from school to reduce violence incidences. Starting with SY 23-24, this program is administered by DMPSJ. |
If your school is in a priority area and is a selected Safe Passage school site and there is student conflict brewing in your building, you should connect with your Safe Passage team to ensure they’re ready to prevent and intervene leveraging their rapport with students. |
| Resource and Contact Information |
Description
|
Case Examples |
|---|---|---|
|
Department of Behavioral Health (DBH) Crisis Response Team
Charter Schools: Erica Barnes, School Mental Health Branch Chief [email protected] 202-295-7037
DCPS Schools: Nigel Jackson, Director of School Mental Health 202-374-8702 |
The school has experienced a crisis (death or other traumatic event) and needs increased mental health resources and/or grief counseling. | A student who attends your school, a neighboring school, or lives in community was injured or killed. Students and staff need support in processing the loss. |
|
One Common Unity (Funded by The Office of Gun Violence Prevention)
Ashlyn Harty (340) 626-9966 |
OCU's Peace Together program offers therapeutic support to youth in D.C that have been impacted by Gun Violence. Supports include mental health therapy, or a community-based crisis intervention where their team goes to the community to provide a healing space for youth. The Peace Together program also offers consultations to adults who are working with youth impacted by gun violence, such as teachers, first responders, and parents. |
A school community who has lost a student or faculty member to gun violence can reach out to OCU's Peace Together program for support. Peace Together responds within 24 hours of the request and begins planning with the school on ways to support specific individuals or a larger group of youth at the school that have been impacted by the loss. |
|
Parent and Adolescent Support Services (PASS) Intensive Case Management
[email protected] |
Intensive early intervention supports for youth exhibiting at-risk behaviors. | There is a student in your school community who is engaging in behaviors such as skipping school (truancy), leaving home without permission, not returning home by curfew, and/or exhibiting extreme disobedience in and/or outside the home. |
| Resource and Contact Information | Description | Case Examples |
|---|---|---|
|
OSSE Restorative Justice Professional Development and Technical Assistance 202-716-6945
SchoolTalk/RestorativeDC 202-907-6887 |
OSSE, in partnership with SchoolTalk’s RestorativeDC, offers a series of trainings and workshops to introduce and explore key elements of restorative justice in schools. The sessions are highly participatory, allowing school staff to immerse themselves in restorative practices through guided exercises, role plays, and other experiential learning opportunities.
RestorativeDC also provides targeted technical assistance (TA), which includes school-level customized support to address a specific critical need, identifying root causes of concern and developing a tailored solution. Schools are invited to apply for TA each year in the Spring. |
Individuals who are interested in learning more about Restorative Practices and how it can foster positive and more inclusive school climates, are invited to attend any of the city-wide trainings. School teams wanting assistance in what implementation looks like at their school may apply for Technical Assistance in the Spring to prepare and receive the support the following school year. More advanced schools ready to make a long-term commitment and who have already received TA may then apply to receive Whole School Implementation support, which includes intensive and collaborative technical support and coaching over three to five years. |
|
The Institute for Youth Development
Kevin Cataldo (202) 701-8674 |
The Institute for Youth Development provides quality training for all adults who work with children and youth in Out of School Time (OST) programs. These adults are also called youth development practitioners. Youth development practitioners deepen their understanding of positive youth development, engage in best practices, and improve services to youth. |
Your staff would benefit from professional development workshops on various topics to include the Youth Development Series, Youth Work Methods Series, Social Emotional Youth Methods Series, and more. Workshops are available throughout the year; organizations can request training specifically for their team. Professional Development training is offered both virtually and in-person throughout the District of Columbia. |
|
|
| Resource and Contact Information |
Description SCHOOLS IN SAFE PASSAGE PRIORITY AREAS |
Case Examples |
|---|---|---|
|
Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education School Safety Support
Hillary Desir 202-427-2209
|
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education is invested in supporting schools in navigating city resources and connecting to appropriate agency partners. For support with safety related challenges, contact Hillary Desir. | If a particular student or circumstance your school team has been supporting is proving more challenging than you expected you can reach out, share the circumstance and receive support in determine if there are any relevant District resources available. |
|
Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement - Leadership Academy
[email protected] |
ONSE Leadership Academy Utilizes a positive youth development model to increase resiliency and protective factors for at-risk youth. Including individual goal planning, behavioral guidance, and tailored enrichment activities. |
There is a group of students presenting with persistent challenges, you may be interested in reaching out to see if your school can become a participating site. |
|
Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants
To contact the hotline, dial or text 1-844-4HELPDC (1-844-443-5732) or access the online chat at https://dcvictim.org/dcvh-chat/. |
Through a partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Victim Services and Justice Grants and the National Center for Victims of Crime, the hotline provides comprehensive information, resources and referrals in the District of Columbia to those who have been victims of a crime. | A student in your school community, or a member of their family is a victim of a crime. If you believe they may need access to free resources and to help them navigate the physical, financial, legal, and emotional repercussions of crime, contact the hotline. |
|
DC School Connect
Sinjoyla Townsend [email protected] (202) 645-0340 |
DC SchoolConnect provides micro transportation for select public and public charter schools in Wards 7 and 8 via dedicated buses for students in grades K-12. | School leaders can refer families who would benefit from micro transit based on need; student has been chronically absent; caregivers are concerned about safety during their student commute, a student is threatening or being targeted during their student commute. Contact DC For Hire Vehicles to determine availability. |
| Resource and Contact Information | Description | Case Examples |
|---|---|---|
|
Violence Prevention and Intervention Liaison (DMPSJ)
Jasmin Benab 202-805-4263 |
The Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice (DMPSJ) manages several credible contact programs. Ms. Benab can provide support activating violence prevention services in neighborhoods where there is conflict involving students. | Students in your school who have known neighborhood/crew affiliations are in conflict with one another. You are unsure of the details but believe things might escalate while students are at school or out in the community. |
|
Safe Passage, Safe Blocks
Ciatta Ramble Savoy 202-374-7825 |
Safe Passage, Safe Blocks is a violence prevention program positioning trusted adults on the path to and from school to reduce violence incidences. Starting with SY 23-24, this program is administered by DMPSJ. | If your school is in a priority area and is a selected Safe Passage school site and there is student conflict brewing in your building, you should connect with your Safe Passage team to ensure they’re ready to prevent and intervene leveraging their rapport with students. |
