University of Montana Safe Schools Center

Providing training, research and professional development services to schools and communities across Montana and the U.S.

About Us

The UM Safe Schools Center was endorsed by the Superintendent of Montana's Office Public Instruction in 2005, and approved by the Montana University System Board of Regents in 2006.  However, our organization has been working on numerous school safety grants and initiatives since 1999. Our current director is Dr. Daniel Lee, an associate professor in the Department of Educational Leadership.

Contact Us

News and Updates

• We received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice. This grant will give us the opportunity to collaborate with schools across the state, and work locally on campus to create safer schools for students statewide. 
• The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has added a Coronavirus update to their information page on Communicable Diseases in Schools
• The Montana Office of Public Instruction released this document concerning public school reopening which contains information on various levels of reopening.

• The Office of Community Oriented Policing Services released a report for the Attorney General on Ten Essential Actions to Improve School Safety
• This Active Shooter Training video has tips and strategies for situations where active shooters are present.
• The National Association of School Psychologists have a guide for Talking to Children About Violence for parents and teachers.
• Sandy Hook Promise has compiled a list of Sixteen Facts About Gun Violence and School Shootings

• John Sommers-Flanagan is a professor of counselor education here at the University of Montana. He runs a blog discussing mental health and counseling issues, which you can find at johnsommersflanagan.com
• The Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance Center (REMS TA Center) has created a tip sheet for teaching the Psychological First Aid model.
• The Child Abuse Library Online (CALiO), supported by OJJDP, provides a collection of publications and resources for professionals working in fields associated with child abuse prevention. CALiO is a service of the National Children's Advocacy Center

COVID-19

• The Governor has created a Coronavirus Task Force, and their website includes important information regarding the spread of the disease in Montana.
• The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has resources to answer questions about the Coronavirus, explain certain programs and give general information. 
• At samhsa.gov/coronavirus, there are a variety of links and articles to help professionals. 
• Psychology Today has a great article on Mental Health and Coronavirus, specifically how to care for yourself and others during this difficult time.
• The National Child Traumatic Stress Network released a guide on Trauma-Informed School Strategies during COVID-19

Cyber Safety

• Password Managers are a great way to keep passwords safe and keep information secure.
• "Zoombombing" is a potential security risk due to the move to remote schooling. This article contains tips for how to keep Zoom calls secure.
• The FBI has created the FBI Child ID App to help parents keep track of their children's information

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 24/7, confidential and free: 1-800-799-7233 and through chat.

The National Sexual Assault Hotline is 24/7, confidential and free: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and through chat.

The Trans LifeLine for peer support for trans folks 9am-3am CT: 1-877-565-8860. This hotline is staffed exclusively by trans operators, and is the only crisis line with a policy against non-consensual active rescue.

National Parent Helpline Monday - Friday, 12pm-9am CT, emotional support and advocacy for parents: 1-855-2736.

The Trevor Project Lifeline is 24/7, confidential and free: 1-866-488-7386 and specifically designed for LGBTQ+ youths in crisis.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides a 24/7, toll-free hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress. After dialing 1-800-273-TALK, the caller is routed to their nearest crisis center to receive immediate counseling and local mental health referrals. The Lifeline supports people who call for themselves or for someone they care about.