For nearly two decades, Center for Safe Schools has been committed to developing creative and effective solutions to problems ... that disrupt the educational process and affect school safety. The Center provides training and technical assistance to help schools identify and implement effective programs and practices and maintain safe, productive learning environments; and it serves as a statewide clearinghouse for educators, parents, law enforcement and others on school safety and youth violence prevention. In 1995, Act 26, the Safe Schools Act, created an Office of Safe Schools within the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Under the direction of the Department of Education, Center for Safe Schools performs many of the duties defined by Act 26. These duties include data collection, assisting schools in meeting the requirements of Act 26 and providing resources to educators on a variety of programs and issues. Center for Safe Schools in partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Education supports schools, local agencies and parents in developing and practicing emergency management and crisis response plans; creating positive school environments; implementing evidence-based programs; and institutionalizing proactive safety measures in partnership with law enforcement and other community entities to address local needs. Through expert staff, as well as access to a network of state and national researchers and practitioners, the Center provides state-of-the-art professional development, technical assistance and resources to schools throughout the Commonwealth. Center for Safe Schools is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and National Crime Prevention Council as one of 20 Statewide School Safety Centers in the nation. Center for Safe Schools works in partnership with key state agencies concerned about school safety, including the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Pennsylvania Commission read more