Federal Support for School Safety and Security

Changes from May 27, 2022 to June 15, 2022

This page shows textual changes in the document between the two versions indicated in the dates above. Textual matter removed in the later version is indicated with ~~red strikethrough~~ and textual matter added in the later version is indicated with blue.

Federal Support for School Safety and Security ~~May 27~~June 15, 2022 , 2022
In the United States, more than 70 million students are enrolled in public elementary and In the United States, more than 70 million students are enrolled in public elementary and
secondary (K-12) schools or degree-granting postsecondary institutions. School and campus secondary (K-12) schools or degree-granting postsecondary institutions. School and campus
Kyrie E. Dragoo,
safety and security for these students encompasses many issues, including violence prevention safety and security for these students encompasses many issues, including violence prevention
Coordinator
and response, school climate, and the physical and mental health of the school community. and response, school climate, and the physical and mental health of the school community.
Analyst in Education Policy Analyst in Education Policy
Students’ safety and security while in school is an area of concern for the federal government and Students’ safety and security while in school is an area of concern for the federal government and

state and local governments, as well as school districts, institutions of higher education, students’ state and local governments, as well as school districts, institutions of higher education, students’
Nathan James
families, and Members of Congress. families, and Members of Congress.
Analyst in Crime Policy Analyst in Crime Policy

Congress has responded to school safety and security concerns with hearings and legislation Congress has responded to school safety and security concerns with hearings and legislation
creating new programs and mandating data collection efforts and reports. The focus of creating new programs and mandating data collection efforts and reports. The focus of
Johnathan H. Duff
congressional efforts to support school safety has expanded over the years, from tracking and congressional efforts to support school safety has expanded over the years, from tracking and
Analyst in Health Policy Analyst in Health Policy
responding to individual incidents to promoting safe, positive school learning environments and responding to individual incidents to promoting safe, positive school learning environments and

providing students and school personnel the tools and resources to respond to crises when they providing students and school personnel the tools and resources to respond to crises when they
Shawn Reese
arise. arise.
Analyst in Emergency Analyst in Emergency
Management and Management and
State and local governments oversee K-12 education in public schools. Colleges and universities State and local governments oversee K-12 education in public schools. Colleges and universities
Homeland Security Policy Homeland Security Policy
are a mix of public, private nonprofit, and private for-profit entities with varying governance are a mix of public, private nonprofit, and private for-profit entities with varying governance

structures. The federal government’s main avenue for supporting schools in general and school structures. The federal government’s main avenue for supporting schools in general and school
Alexandra Hegji
and campus safety specifically is through grant programs. This report provides an overview of and campus safety specifically is through grant programs. This report provides an overview of
Analyst in Social Policy Analyst in Social Policy
grant programs at the U.S. Department of Education (ED), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), grant programs at the U.S. Department of Education (ED), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ),

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and U.S. Department of Health and Human U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS) that provide direct or indirect funding for school and campus safety and security Services (HHS) that provide direct or indirect funding for school and campus safety and security

initiatives. The report also provides an overview of programs and initiatives administered by initiatives. The report also provides an overview of programs and initiatives administered by
these departments that support school safety and security efforts in other ways, such as through data collection and reporting these departments that support school safety and security efforts in other ways, such as through data collection and reporting
and technical assistance. and technical assistance.
Several federal grant programs provide funding to directly support school safety and security programs, including the Several federal grant programs provide funding to directly support school safety and security programs, including the
following examples. DOJ’s Matching Grant Program for School Security provides grants to support evidence-based following examples. DOJ’s Matching Grant Program for School Security provides grants to support evidence-based
programs to improve security at schools and on school grounds. ED’s National Activities for School Safety authorizes the programs to improve security at schools and on school grounds. ED’s National Activities for School Safety authorizes the
Secretary of Education to carry out activities to improve students’ safety and well-being, during and after the school day. Secretary of Education to carry out activities to improve students’ safety and well-being, during and after the school day.
HHS’s Project AWARE Educational Agency grants provide funding to support training teachers and school personnel on HHS’s Project AWARE Educational Agency grants provide funding to support training teachers and school personnel on
mental health awareness, and to connect youth with behavioral health issues to needed services. mental health awareness, and to connect youth with behavioral health issues to needed services.
Most federal funding that is available for school safety and security programs is not explicitly required to be used for school Most federal funding that is available for school safety and security programs is not explicitly required to be used for school
safety activities. For example, DOJ’s Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring Program provides grants to state, local, safety activities. For example, DOJ’s Community Oriented Policing Services Hiring Program provides grants to state, local,
and tribal governments for hiring police officers to engage in community policing activities. Among other purposes, funds and tribal governments for hiring police officers to engage in community policing activities. Among other purposes, funds
can be used to hire School Resource Officers. DHS’s Preparedness Grants provide funds to enhance the capacity of “state and can be used to hire School Resource Officers. DHS’s Preparedness Grants provide funds to enhance the capacity of “state and
local emergency responders to prevent, respond to, and recover from a terrorism incident.” Funding may be used for public local emergency responders to prevent, respond to, and recover from a terrorism incident.” Funding may be used for public
school safety and security, if grant recipients determine it to be a priority. Because there are other uses of the grant funds for school safety and security, if grant recipients determine it to be a priority. Because there are other uses of the grant funds for
these programs, it is difficult to track exactly how much funding under these programs has been awarded specifically for these programs, it is difficult to track exactly how much funding under these programs has been awarded specifically for
school safety and security. school safety and security.
In addition, the federal government operates initiatives that support the efforts of state and local governments to secure In addition, the federal government operates initiatives that support the efforts of state and local governments to secure
schools. For example, the Federal Commission on School Safety was formed in 2018 to make policy recommendations on a schools. For example, the Federal Commission on School Safety was formed in 2018 to make policy recommendations on a
range of school safety and security issues. As another example, the Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council provides range of school safety and security issues. As another example, the Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council provides
advice and recommendations to the DHS Secretary and departmental senior leadership on matters related to homeland advice and recommendations to the DHS Secretary and departmental senior leadership on matters related to homeland
security and the academic community. security and the academic community.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

link to page 17 link to page 17 link to page 17 link to page 17 Federal Support for School Safety and Security

Introduction
In the United States, more than 50 million students are enrolled in public elementary and In the United States, more than 50 million students are enrolled in public elementary and
secondary schools that educate children from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade; nearly 20 secondary schools that educate children from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade; nearly 20
million more students attend degree-granting postsecondary institutions.1 Students’ safety and million more students attend degree-granting postsecondary institutions.1 Students’ safety and
security is a paramount concern of federal, state, and local governments, as well as for school security is a paramount concern of federal, state, and local governments, as well as for school
districts, institutions of higher education (IHEs), students’ families, and Members of Congress. districts, institutions of higher education (IHEs), students’ families, and Members of Congress.
Through the mid-20th century, most of the school safety bills and resolutions that Congress Through the mid-20th century, most of the school safety bills and resolutions that Congress
considered concerned children’s safety traveling to and from school, in the form of legislation on considered concerned children’s safety traveling to and from school, in the form of legislation on
school bus safety and in support of school safety patrols.2 In the 1970s, Americans grew school bus safety and in support of school safety patrols.2 In the 1970s, Americans grew
increasingly concerned with incidents of crime, violence, and vandalism on school grounds, and increasingly concerned with incidents of crime, violence, and vandalism on school grounds, and
Congress began considering bills proposing federal support to track, study, and address violence, Congress began considering bills proposing federal support to track, study, and address violence,
vandalism, and other school safety issues.3 In the decades since, research on the effects of trauma, vandalism, and other school safety issues.3 In the decades since, research on the effects of trauma,
crises, and school climate on the learning environment, student health, and the ability of students crises, and school climate on the learning environment, student health, and the ability of students
to engage in education increased. In response, the variety of initiatives considered at the federal to engage in education increased. In response, the variety of initiatives considered at the federal
level to provide students with safe and secure learning environments increased as well. level to provide students with safe and secure learning environments increased as well.
When thinking about school safety and security, the public often focuses on violence prevention When thinking about school safety and security, the public often focuses on violence prevention
and incident response. School safety and security also includes issues related to bullying, and incident response. School safety and security also includes issues related to bullying,
harassment, childhood trauma, student mental health, substance abuse, school climate, and harassment, childhood trauma, student mental health, substance abuse, school climate, and
student discipline. Many types of crises and incidents that disrupt the school learning student discipline. Many types of crises and incidents that disrupt the school learning
environment may be considered school safety issues. For example, when COVID-19 disrupted environment may be considered school safety issues. For example, when COVID-19 disrupted
the 2019-2020 school year, Congress, through Project School Emergency Response to Violence the 2019-2020 school year, Congress, through Project School Emergency Response to Violence
(Project SERV), a program originally designed to bring resources to schools quickly in the event (Project SERV), a program originally designed to bring resources to schools quickly in the event
of a school shooting or other violent crisis, provided $100 million in funding for elementary, of a school shooting or other violent crisis, provided $100 million in funding for elementary,
secondary, and postsecondary schools to clean and disinfect affected facilities and provide secondary, and postsecondary schools to clean and disinfect affected facilities and provide
counseling and distance learning programs.4 Similarly, Project Advancing Wellness and counseling and distance learning programs.4 Similarly, Project Advancing Wellness and
Resilience in Education (Project AWARE) was originally part of a cross-agency effort to reduce Resilience in Education (Project AWARE) was originally part of a cross-agency effort to reduce
gun violence. Now, Project AWARE’s school safety focus has expanded to support several grant gun violence. Now, Project AWARE’s school safety focus has expanded to support several grant
programs designed to increase mental health awareness among school-aged youth and school programs designed to increase mental health awareness among school-aged youth and school

1 U.S. Department of Education (ED), National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core of Data (CCD), Digest 1 U.S. Department of Education (ED), National Center for Education Statistics, Common Core of Data (CCD), Digest
of Education Statistics; Table 105.20. Enrollment in elementary, secondary, and degree-granting postsecondary of Education Statistics; Table 105.20. Enrollment in elementary, secondary, and degree-granting postsecondary
institutions, by level and control of institution, enrollment level, and attendance status and sex of student: Selected institutions, by level and control of institution, enrollment level, and attendance status and sex of student: Selected
years, fall 1990 through fall 2029, Washington, DC, 2019, https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d19/tables/years, fall 1990 through fall 2029, Washington, DC, 2019, https://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d19/tables/
dt19_105.20.asp?current=yes.” dt19_105.20.asp?current=yes.”
2 For example, see S.J.Res. 130 in the 89th Congress, Joint Resolution To provide for the designation of the week of 2 For example, see S.J.Res. 130 in the 89th Congress, Joint Resolution To provide for the designation of the week of
May 8 to May 14, 1966, as “National School Safety Patrol Week.” May 8 to May 14, 1966, as “National School Safety Patrol Week.”
3 According to archived CRS Memo DL771616, 3 According to archived CRS Memo DL771616, School Violence and Vandalism, CRS Education and Public Welfare , CRS Education and Public Welfare
Division, June 30, 1977, the first bill proposing federal financial assistance to local educational agencies specifically to Division, June 30, 1977, the first bill proposing federal financial assistance to local educational agencies specifically to
help them respond to crime and safety concerns was entitled the Safe Schools Act and was introduced in the 92nd help them respond to crime and safety concerns was entitled the Safe Schools Act and was introduced in the 92nd
Congress as H.R. 3101 (February 1, 1971). Congress as H.R. 3101 (February 1, 1971).
4 The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136) provided $100 million for 4 The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136) provided $100 million for
Project SERV to supplement existing funds to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 domestically or Project SERV to supplement existing funds to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19 domestically or
internationally and specifically stated that CARES Act Project SERV funds can be used by schools and IHEs for internationally and specifically stated that CARES Act Project SERV funds can be used by schools and IHEs for
counseling, for distance learning, or to clean and disinfect school buildings. See the counseling, for distance learning, or to clean and disinfect school buildings. See the “Project School Emergency
Response to Violence (Project SERV)” section of this report for more information. section of this report for more information.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

1 1

link to page 9 link to page 9 Federal Support for School Safety and Security

personnel and connect school-aged youth with mental health issues and their families to needed personnel and connect school-aged youth with mental health issues and their families to needed
services.5 services.5
State and local governments oversee K-12 education in public schools. Colleges and universities State and local governments oversee K-12 education in public schools. Colleges and universities
are a mix of public, private nonprofit, and private for-profit entities with varying governance are a mix of public, private nonprofit, and private for-profit entities with varying governance
structures. The federal government supports schools in general and school and campus safety structures. The federal government supports schools in general and school and campus safety
specifically through grant programs, research, data collection, reporting requirements, guidance, specifically through grant programs, research, data collection, reporting requirements, guidance,
and technical assistance. This report identifies select federal programs that support school safety and technical assistance. This report identifies select federal programs that support school safety
and security in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary educational institutions.6 Specifically, and security in elementary, secondary, and postsecondary educational institutions.6 Specifically,
the report describes programs, resources, and initiatives administered by the U.S. Department of the report describes programs, resources, and initiatives administered by the U.S. Department of
Education (ED), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Department of Education (ED), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), U.S. Department of
Justice (DOJ), and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Justice (DOJ), and U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
School safety and security programs and activities can be divided into three broad, and often School safety and security programs and activities can be divided into three broad, and often
overlapping, categories: overlapping, categories:
  ~~Prevention~~Prevention: any efforts—such as anti-bullying campaigns or infrastructure : any efforts—such as anti-bullying campaigns or infrastructure
improvements—that aim to make school and IHE settings safer and more secure improvements—that aim to make school and IHE settings safer and more secure
for students, teachers, faculty, and staff. for students, teachers, faculty, and staff.
 Mitigation and Response: initiatives that attempt to reduce school and IHE  Mitigation and Response: initiatives that attempt to reduce school and IHE
violence and prepare institutions to respond to incidents that jeopardize safety violence and prepare institutions to respond to incidents that jeopardize safety
and security.7 and security.7
  ~~Recovery~~Recovery: programs that aim to help students and communities recover from : programs that aim to help students and communities recover from
traumatic events, such as an act of violence that has occurred within the school traumatic events, such as an act of violence that has occurred within the school
community. community.
The ED, HHS, DOJ, and DHS programs discussed in this report encompass prevention, The ED, HHS, DOJ, and DHS programs discussed in this report encompass prevention,
mitigation and response, or recovery efforts that provide direct or indirect funding for school and mitigation and response, or recovery efforts that provide direct or indirect funding for school and
campus safety and security initiatives. The program summaries in this report are not campus safety and security initiatives. The program summaries in this report are not
comprehensive. In many cases, other Congressional Research Service (CRS) products are comprehensive. In many cases, other Congressional Research Service (CRS) products are
referenced as sources for more detailed information about individual programs. This report also referenced as sources for more detailed information about individual programs. This report also
provides an overview of federal programs and initiatives that support school safety and security provides an overview of federal programs and initiatives that support school safety and security
efforts in other ways, such as data collection and technical assistance. efforts in other ways, such as data collection and technical assistance.
Report Organization
This report organizes select federal programs related to school safety and security based on This report organizes select federal programs related to school safety and security based on
whether the program directly addresses an aspect of school safety and security, or whether the whether the program directly addresses an aspect of school safety and security, or whether the
program’s primary purpose is something other than school safety but, in certain circumstances, it program’s primary purpose is something other than school safety but, in certain circumstances, it
can support school safety initiatives or activities that contribute to students’ health and safety. can support school safety initiatives or activities that contribute to students’ health and safety.
Specifically, the report is organized into two broad categories, each of which comprises a primary Specifically, the report is organized into two broad categories, each of which comprises a primary
section of it.8 section of it.8

5 See the 5 See the “Project Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education (Project AWARE)” section for more information. section for more information.
6 Although authorizations for the federal programs described in this report exist, it does not mean that these programs 6 Although authorizations for the federal programs described in this report exist, it does not mean that these programs
are currently funded in the most recent appropriations. are currently funded in the most recent appropriations.
7 For example, many schools employ School Resource Officers (SROs) in hopes that their presence may deter crime 7 For example, many schools employ School Resource Officers (SROs) in hopes that their presence may deter crime
and violence within the school and also to have someone ready to respond quickly to incidents of crime or violence and violence within the school and also to have someone ready to respond quickly to incidents of crime or violence
when needed. For more information on SROs, see CRS Report R45251, when needed. For more information on SROs, see CRS Report R45251, School Resource Officers: Issues for Congress. .
8 Categories were determined by CRS for the sake of organizing this report. Executive agencies do not necessarily 8 Categories were determined by CRS for the sake of organizing this report. Executive agencies do not necessarily
conceptualize their programming in the same manner. conceptualize their programming in the same manner.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

2 2

link to page 7 link to page link to page 7 link to page 2224 link to page link to page 3739 link to page link to page 3739 link to page link to page 4749 link to page 8 link to page 19 link to page 19 link to page 8 link to page 19 link to page 19 link to page 8 link to page 19 Federal Support for School Safety and Security

  “Programs with an Explicit School Safety or Security Purpose” describes describes
programs that have school safety or security included as an explicit purpose in programs that have school safety or security included as an explicit purpose in
one or more of the following: (1) the program’s authorizing legislation, (2) one or more of the following: (1) the program’s authorizing legislation, (2)
congressional appropriations report language, or (3) agency documents (e.g., congressional appropriations report language, or (3) agency documents (e.g.,
program web page or an agency’s Congressional Budget Justification). These program web page or an agency’s Congressional Budget Justification). These
programs may have an exclusive focus on school safety or may address school programs may have an exclusive focus on school safety or may address school
safety along with other issue areas. This section of the report first discusses grant safety along with other issue areas. This section of the report first discusses grant
programs, followed by other programsprograms, followed by other programs, acts, and initiatives such as federal and initiatives such as federal
commissions and councils on school safetycommissions and councils on school safety and laws related to the possession of firearms on school grounds. .
  “Programs That May Support School Safety Initiatives” describes programs for describes programs for
which school safety or security is not specified as a program purpose, but these which school safety or security is not specified as a program purpose, but these
programs permit using funds to support school safety and security initiatives. programs permit using funds to support school safety and security initiatives.
This section of the report first discusses grant programs, followed by other This section of the report first discusses grant programs, followed by other
programs and initiatives such as preparedness training and outreach programs. programs and initiatives such as preparedness training and outreach programs.
Programs listed in this section were selected for inclusion if the activities they Programs listed in this section were selected for inclusion if the activities they
supported were the same, or similar to, activities supported by programs with an supported were the same, or similar to, activities supported by programs with an
explicit school safety or security purpose, or if allowable uses of funds were explicit school safety or security purpose, or if allowable uses of funds were
broad enough to encompass these types of activities. broad enough to encompass these types of activities.
In additi In addition, Table A-1 iin Appendix A provides a concise list of all of the grant programs in this provides a concise list of all of the grant programs in this
report by administering agency and provides information on each program, including the report by administering agency and provides information on each program, including the
authorizing legislation, the U.S. Code citation, federal eligibility, and a brief description of authorizing legislation, the U.S. Code citation, federal eligibility, and a brief description of
relevant uses of funds.relevant uses of funds. Appendix B provides examples of other federal school safety and security provides examples of other federal school safety and security
resources, including research reports, technical assistance centers, and websites. resources, including research reports, technical assistance centers, and websites.
The funding and appropriations figures included in this report do not include supplemental The funding and appropriations figures included in this report do not include supplemental
appropriations provided by Congress in response to COVID-19 through the Coronavirus Aid, appropriations provided by Congress in response to COVID-19 through the Coronavirus Aid,
Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136);9 the Coronavirus Response and Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act; P.L. 116-136);9 the Coronavirus Response and
Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA; Division M of the Consolidated Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2021 (CRRSAA; Division M of the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260)); and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA; Appropriations Act, 2021 (P.L. 116-260)); and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA;
P.L. 117-2), unless otherwise specified. P.L. 117-2), unless otherwise specified.
Programs with an Explicit School Safety or Security
Purpose
This section of the report provides an overview of programs that have an explicit school safety or This section of the report provides an overview of programs that have an explicit school safety or
security purpose and include specific school safety or security activities in the allowable or security purpose and include specific school safety or security activities in the allowable or
required uses of funds. Programs listed in this section provide funding to eligible entities (e.g., required uses of funds. Programs listed in this section provide funding to eligible entities (e.g.,
state or local governments or local educational agencies [LEAs]) specifically for the purpose of state or local governments or local educational agencies [LEAs]) specifically for the purpose of
implementing initiatives that promote school safety or security. The programs fall into two implementing initiatives that promote school safety or security. The programs fall into two
categories: (1) categories: (1) “Grant Programs,” including formula grants and competitive grants; and (2) including formula grants and competitive grants; and (2) “Non-
grant Programs and Initiatives,” which include councils, commissions, or task forces specifically which include councils, commissions, or task forces specifically
targeting school safety and securitytargeting school safety and security~~. Within the subsections,~~ and laws related to school safety and security. Within the “Grant Programs” section, grant programs are ordered from largest to programs are ordered from largest to
smallest by their most recent available appropriations levels. smallest by their most recent available appropriations levels.
Within the “Non-grant Programs and Initiatives” section,
9 For more information about the Education Stabilization Fund under the CARES Act, as enacted, see CRS Report 9 For more information about the Education Stabilization Fund under the CARES Act, as enacted, see CRS Report
R46378, R46378, CARES Act Education Stabilization Fund: Background and Analysis. .
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

3 3

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

items are listed alphabetically, subsections are also listed alphabetically, and laws are listed chronologically by year of initial enactment. Some of the grant programs described in this section are solely intended to support school safety Some of the grant programs described in this section are solely intended to support school safety
and security purposes; others explicitly list school safety or security activities as a purpose of the and security purposes; others explicitly list school safety or security activities as a purpose of the
program or among other possible uses of funds. program or among other possible uses of funds.
Grant Programs
Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) Grants
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
ED, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education ED, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education
$1.3 bil ion $1.3 bil ion
(OESE), Office of Safe and Healthy Students (OSHS) (OESE), Office of Safe and Healthy Students (OSHS)
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
Authorizing Legislation
LEAs receiving an SSAE grant ≥$30,000 must provide LEAs receiving an SSAE grant ≥$30,000 must provide
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA)
assurances that they wil use ≥20% of their grant funds assurances that they wil use ≥20% of their grant funds
(P.L. 114-95), Title IV-A, §§4104, 4108 (P.L. 114-95), Title IV-A, §§4104, 4108
for activities to support “safe and healthy students.” for activities to support “safe and healthy students.”
The exact amount used for school safety and security The exact amount used for school safety and security
activities is unknown. activities is unknown.
The SSAE grants program is a block grant program authorized under Title IV-A of the The SSAE grants program is a block grant program authorized under Title IV-A of the
Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), as amended by the Every Student Succeeds
Act (ESSA; P.L. 114-95). The purpose of SSAE grants is to improve students’ academic Act (ESSA; P.L. 114-95). The purpose of SSAE grants is to improve students’ academic
achievement by increasing the capacity of states, LEAs, schools, and local communities to (1) achievement by increasing the capacity of states, LEAs, schools, and local communities to (1)
provide all students with access to a well-rounded education, (2) improve school conditions for provide all students with access to a well-rounded education, (2) improve school conditions for
student learning, and (3) improve the use of technology in order to improve the academic student learning, and (3) improve the use of technology in order to improve the academic
achievement and digital learning of all students.10 achievement and digital learning of all students.10
SSAE grant funds are allocated by formula to each state in proportion to the state’s prior-year SSAE grant funds are allocated by formula to each state in proportion to the state’s prior-year
allocation under Title I-A of the ESEA.11 The state must then reserve at least 95% of the allotment allocation under Title I-A of the ESEA.11 The state must then reserve at least 95% of the allotment
it receives to make allocations to LEAs via a similar formula. LEAs that receive a grant of it receives to make allocations to LEAs via a similar formula. LEAs that receive a grant of
$30,000 or more must provide assurances that they will use funds toward each of three broad $30,000 or more must provide assurances that they will use funds toward each of three broad
categories of activities: (1) activities to support well-rounded educational opportunities, (2) categories of activities: (1) activities to support well-rounded educational opportunities, (2)
activities to support safe and healthy students (they must use at least 20% of their funds for this activities to support safe and healthy students (they must use at least 20% of their funds for this
purpose), and (3) activities to support the effective use of technology.12 Regardless of the size of purpose), and (3) activities to support the effective use of technology.12 Regardless of the size of
an LEA’s SSAE grant, it may choose to spend the funds it reserves for supporting safe and an LEA’s SSAE grant, it may choose to spend the funds it reserves for supporting safe and
healthy students on programs or initiatives focused on school safety only (e.g., programs focused healthy students on programs or initiatives focused on school safety only (e.g., programs focused
on preventing violence, bullying, or harassment), on promoting student health only (e.g., on preventing violence, bullying, or harassment), on promoting student health only (e.g.,
programs focused on nutrition, exercise, or first aid training), or on both student health and school programs focused on nutrition, exercise, or first aid training), or on both student health and school
safety.13 For example, many programs that support student mental health relate to school safety safety.13 For example, many programs that support student mental health relate to school safety
because they aim to improve school climate, help prevent dangerous behaviors or activities (e.g., because they aim to improve school climate, help prevent dangerous behaviors or activities (e.g.,
bullying, harassment, substance abuse), or help students respond to and recover from school bullying, harassment, substance abuse), or help students respond to and recover from school
violence (e.g., counseling, support groups). SSAE grants are flexible enough to allow LEAs to violence (e.g., counseling, support groups). SSAE grants are flexible enough to allow LEAs to
~~use the majority (and in some cases the entirety)14 of their SSAE grant funds toward school safety~~

10 20 U.S.C. §7111; P.L. 114-95, §§4101 et al. 10 20 U.S.C. §7111; P.L. 114-95, §§4101 et al.
11 Ibid. 11 Ibid.
12 20 U.S.C. §7116; P.L. 114-95, §4106(e)(2). 12 20 U.S.C. §7116; P.L. 114-95, §4106(e)(2).
13 Implementing both school safety and student health initiatives could mean (1) implementing two separate programs 13 Implementing both school safety and student health initiatives could mean (1) implementing two separate programs
or (2) implementing a program that could be considered as falling under both categories, such as suicide prevention or or (2) implementing a program that could be considered as falling under both categories, such as suicide prevention or
schoolwide positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) programs. schoolwide positive behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) programs.
~~14 For example, in the case of an LEA receiving a SSAE grant of less than $30,000, that LEA would only need to~~
~~provide assurance that it would use its funds to support one of the three activities listed in the previous sentence,~~
~~meaning the LEA could choose to use anywhere between 0% and 100% of its funds towards school safety activities.~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

4

~~Federal Support for School Safety and Security~~

Congressional Research Service 4 Federal Support for School Safety and Security use the majority (and in some cases the entirety)14 of their SSAE grant funds toward school safety and security programs or to use them for activities completely unrelated to school safety (e.g., a and security programs or to use them for activities completely unrelated to school safety (e.g., a
program on healthy eating and nutrition or Advanced Placement courses). program on healthy eating and nutrition or Advanced Placement courses).
The programs and activities an LEA selects to support in the category of Safe and Healthy The programs and activities an LEA selects to support in the category of Safe and Healthy
Students (Section 4108) must, among other requirements, be used to develop, implement, and Students (Section 4108) must, among other requirements, be used to develop, implement, and
evaluate comprehensive programs and activities that foster safe, healthy, supportive, and drug-evaluate comprehensive programs and activities that foster safe, healthy, supportive, and drug-
free environments that support student academic achievement. Examples of allowable activities in free environments that support student academic achievement. Examples of allowable activities in
this category related to school safety and security include programs and activities for elementary this category related to school safety and security include programs and activities for elementary
and secondary students, and professional development and training for teachers and other school and secondary students, and professional development and training for teachers and other school
personnel, in the following areas: personnel, in the following areas:
 drug and violence prevention;  drug and violence prevention;
 suicide prevention;  suicide prevention;
 bullying and harassment prevention;  bullying and harassment prevention;
 re-entry/transition programs for justice-involved youth;  re-entry/transition programs for justice-involved youth;
 mentoring and school counseling;  mentoring and school counseling;
 recognition and prevention of coercion, violence, or abuse, including dating  recognition and prevention of coercion, violence, or abuse, including dating
violence, stalking, and sexual violence and harassment; violence, stalking, and sexual violence and harassment;
 school-based mental health services, including early identification of mental  school-based mental health services, including early identification of mental
health symptoms, drug use, and violence; health symptoms, drug use, and violence;
 schoolwide multitiered behavioral frameworks, such as positive behavioral  schoolwide multitiered behavioral frameworks, such as positive behavioral
interventions and supports (PBIS) programs; and interventions and supports (PBIS) programs; and
 trauma-informed practices in classroom management, crisis management, and  trauma-informed practices in classroom management, crisis management, and
conflict resolution techniques. conflict resolution techniques.
For more information, see CRS In Focus IF10910, For more information, see CRS In Focus IF10910, Student Support and Academic Enrichment
(SSAE) Grants. .
Project Advancing Wellness and Resilience in Education (Project AWARE)
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
HHS, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services HHS, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Project AWARE State Grants ($107.5 mil ion), Project AWARE State Grants ($107.5 mil ion),
Administration (SAMHSA) Administration (SAMHSA)
Mental Health Awareness Training ($25 mil ion), Mental Health Awareness Training ($25 mil ion),
ReCAST ($12.5 mil ion) ReCAST ($12.5 mil ion)
Authorizing Legislation
Public Health Service Act (PHSA), §520A Priority Public Health Service Act (PHSA), §520A Priority
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
Mental Health Needs of Regional and National Mental Health Needs of Regional and National
Project AWARE grants support youth mental health Project AWARE grants support youth mental health
Significance (Mental Health PRNS) Significance (Mental Health PRNS)
awareness and community treatment, often in K-12 awareness and community treatment, often in K-12
public schools. public schools.
Project AWARE consists of competitive grants supporting activities that identify children and Project AWARE consists of competitive grants supporting activities that identify children and
youth in need of mental health services, increase access to mental health treatment, and promote youth in need of mental health services, increase access to mental health treatment, and promote
mental health literacy among teachers and school personnel.15 Project AWARE consists of three mental health literacy among teachers and school personnel.15 Project AWARE consists of three
~~components: (1) Project AWARE State Educational Agency grants (known as Project AWARE~~

14 For example, in the case of an LEA receiving a SSAE grant of less than $30,000, that LEA would only need to provide assurance that it would use its funds to support one of the three activities listed in the previous sentence, meaning the LEA could choose to use anywhere between 0% and 100% of its funds towards school safety activities. 15 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services 15 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services
Administration (SAMHSA), Administration (SAMHSA), Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees for FY2020,,
~~http://www.hhs.gov/budget.~~
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

5 5

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

components: (1) Project AWARE State Educational Agency grants (known as Project AWARE State or or SEA grants), (2) Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) grants,16 and (3) Resiliency grants), (2) Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) grants,16 and (3) Resiliency
in Communities After Stress and Trauma (ReCAST) grants. in Communities After Stress and Trauma (ReCAST) grants.
Project AWARE originated as part of the Obama Administration’s 2013 Project AWARE originated as part of the Obama Administration’s 2013 Now Is the Time
initiative.17 Launched in the wake of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in initiative.17 Launched in the wake of the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in
Newtown, CT, in 2012, this plan introduced a number of activities aimed at protecting children Newtown, CT, in 2012, this plan introduced a number of activities aimed at protecting children
and communities by reducing gun violence.18 Project AWARE builds upon strategies used in the and communities by reducing gun violence.18 Project AWARE builds upon strategies used in the
Clinton Administration’s 1999 Clinton Administration’s 1999 Safe Schools/Healthy Students initiative for creating safe and initiative for creating safe and
secure schools and promoting students’ mental health in communities across the country.19 secure schools and promoting students’ mental health in communities across the country.19
Project AWARE State Grants
The purpose of the Project AWARE State grants is to build or expand the capacity of SEAs, in The purpose of the Project AWARE State grants is to build or expand the capacity of SEAs, in
partnership with State Mental Health Agencies, to: (1) increase awareness of mental health issues partnership with State Mental Health Agencies, to: (1) increase awareness of mental health issues
among school-aged youth; (2) provide training for school personnel and other adults to detect among school-aged youth; (2) provide training for school personnel and other adults to detect
mental health issues; and (3) connect school-aged youth with mental health issues and their mental health issues; and (3) connect school-aged youth with mental health issues and their
families to needed services.20 Project AWARE SEA grantees use funds to train teachers and other families to needed services.20 Project AWARE SEA grantees use funds to train teachers and other
school personnel on mental health awareness and how to connect school-aged youth to needed school personnel on mental health awareness and how to connect school-aged youth to needed
services. Other activities may include school-based mental health and wellness programs, services. Other activities may include school-based mental health and wellness programs,
increased mental health services for school-aged youth, and implementation of evidence-based increased mental health services for school-aged youth, and implementation of evidence-based
mental health interventions, among others. Project AWARE is authorized through SAMHSA’s mental health interventions, among others. Project AWARE is authorized through SAMHSA’s
Mental Health PRNS authorities.21 Mental Health PRNS authorities.21
In FY2020, SAMHSA awarded 15 new Project AWARE State grants and supported the In FY2020, SAMHSA awarded 15 new Project AWARE State grants and supported the
continuation of 30 State grants. In FY2021, SAMHSA awarded 10 new State grants and continuation of 30 State grants. In FY2021, SAMHSA awarded 10 new State grants and
supported the continuation of 39 State grants.22 The program has also supported technical supported the continuation of 39 State grants.22 The program has also supported technical
assistance to develop school-based mental health models.23 assistance to develop school-based mental health models.23
Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT)
The MHAT program provides training to school personnel and individuals working with youth on The MHAT program provides training to school personnel and individuals working with youth on
how to recognize a mental illness, provide initial help in a mental health crisis, and connect how to recognize a mental illness, provide initial help in a mental health crisis, and connect
~~students to appropriate care.24 The MHAT training program—known as Mental Health First~~

http://www.hhs.gov/budget. 16 Previously known as “Mental Health First Aid” or MHFA grants. 16 Previously known as “Mental Health First Aid” or MHFA grants.
17 The White House (Obama Administration), 17 The White House (Obama Administration), Now Is the Time: The President’s Plan to Protect Our Children and Our
Communities by Reducing Gun Violence, January 16, 2013, https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/, January 16, 2013, https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/sites/default/files/
docs/wh_now_is_the_time_full.pdf. docs/wh_now_is_the_time_full.pdf.
18 The White House (Obama Administration), 18 The White House (Obama Administration), Now Is the Time to Do Something About Gun Violence, 2013, , 2013,
https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/issues/preventing-gun-violence. https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/issues/preventing-gun-violence.
19 HHS, SAMHSA, 19 HHS, SAMHSA, The Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative: A Legacy of Success, HHS Publication No. (SMA) , HHS Publication No. (SMA)
13-4798, 2013, https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma13-4798.pdf. The Safe Schools/Healthy Students 13-4798, 2013, https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/sma13-4798.pdf. The Safe Schools/Healthy Students
initiative was instituted partially in response to a series of school shootings, including the incident at Columbine High initiative was instituted partially in response to a series of school shootings, including the incident at Columbine High
School in April 1999. School in April 1999.
20 HHS, SAMHSA, 20 HHS, SAMHSA, Project AWARE (Advancing Wellness and Resiliency in Education) State Education Agency
Grants, Funding Opportunity Announcement, October 24, 2018, https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/, Funding Opportunity Announcement, October 24, 2018, https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/
sm-19-003. sm-19-003.
21 42 U.S.C. §290bb-32. HHS, SAMHSA, 21 42 U.S.C. §290bb-32. HHS, SAMHSA, Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees for FY2021,,
http://www.hhs.gov/budget. http://www.hhs.gov/budget.
22 HHS, SAMHSA, 22 HHS, SAMHSA, Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees for FY2023, http://www.hhs.gov/budget. , http://www.hhs.gov/budget.
23 HHS, SAMHSA, 23 HHS, SAMHSA, Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees for FY2021, http://www.hhs.gov/budget. , http://www.hhs.gov/budget.
~~24 In 2016, the 21st Century Cures Act (P.L. 114-255) created a new MHAT authority in the Public Health Service Act~~
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

6 6

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

students to appropriate care.24 The MHAT training program—known as Mental Health First Aid—is structured similarly to standard first aid training: an eight-hour course that instructs Aid—is structured similarly to standard first aid training: an eight-hour course that instructs
participants in how to identify, understand, and respond to the signs of a crisis mental illness and participants in how to identify, understand, and respond to the signs of a crisis mental illness and
substance use disorders.25 Through Project AWARE, SAMHSA and its partners have been substance use disorders.25 Through Project AWARE, SAMHSA and its partners have been
providing grants for Mental Health First Aid since 2013. SAMHSA partners with the National providing grants for Mental Health First Aid since 2013. SAMHSA partners with the National
Council for Mental Wellbeing26 to administer the MHAT grants. In FY2020, SAMHSA awarded Council for Mental Wellbeing26 to administer the MHAT grants. In FY2020, SAMHSA awarded
16 new MHAT grants and supported the continuation of 156 MHAT grants.27 In FY2021, 16 new MHAT grants and supported the continuation of 156 MHAT grants.27 In FY2021,
SAMHSA awarded 145 new MHAT grants and supported the continuation of the 33 existing SAMHSA awarded 145 new MHAT grants and supported the continuation of the 33 existing
grants.28 grants.28
Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma (ReCAST) Grants
The ReCAST program, within Project AWARE, consists of competitive grants for communities The ReCAST program, within Project AWARE, consists of competitive grants for communities
that have recently faced civil unrest or trauma. The purpose of the ReCAST program is to assist that have recently faced civil unrest or trauma. The purpose of the ReCAST program is to assist
high-risk youth and families by promoting resilience through implementation of evidence-based high-risk youth and families by promoting resilience through implementation of evidence-based
violence prevention and youth engagement programs, as well as through linkages to trauma-violence prevention and youth engagement programs, as well as through linkages to trauma-
informed behavioral health services. informed behavioral health services.
In FY2016, SAMHSA awarded the first eight ReCAST grants.29 SAMHSA awarded two new In FY2016, SAMHSA awarded the first eight ReCAST grants.29 SAMHSA awarded two new
ReCAST grants in each of FY2017 and FY2018 while supporting the continuation of eight ReCAST grants in each of FY2017 and FY2018 while supporting the continuation of eight
existing grants.30 In FY2019, SAMHSA supported the continuation of 11 ReCAST grants. No existing grants.30 In FY2019, SAMHSA supported the continuation of 11 ReCAST grants. No
new ReCAST grants were awarded in FY2020. In FY2021, SAMHSA awarded new ReCAST grants were awarded in FY2020. In FY2021, SAMHSA awarded ~~nine~~9 new new
ReCAST grants with COVID Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act funding.31 In FY2021, ReCAST grants with COVID Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act funding.31 In FY2021,
SAMHSA supported three ReCAST continuation grants. SAMHSA supported three ReCAST continuation grants.

24 In 2016, the 21st Century Cures Act (P.L. 114-255) created a new MHAT authority in the Public Health Service Act (§520J; 42 U.S.C. §290bb-41) which codified the Mental Health First Aid training grant component of Project (§520J; 42 U.S.C. §290bb-41) which codified the Mental Health First Aid training grant component of Project
AWARE. The new authority applies to a more general population. As such, the MHAT program provides training AWARE. The new authority applies to a more general population. As such, the MHAT program provides training
grants to a variety of entities, such as law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency first responders, and grants to a variety of entities, such as law enforcement agencies, fire departments, emergency first responders, and
others. others.
25 HHS, SAMHSA, 25 HHS, SAMHSA, Mental Health First Aid Offers Behavioral Health Training, March 15, 2017, , March 15, 2017,
https://www.samhsa.gov/homelessness-programs-resources/hpr-resources/mental-health-first-aid-training. https://www.samhsa.gov/homelessness-programs-resources/hpr-resources/mental-health-first-aid-training.
26 The National Council for Mental Wellbeing (formerly the National Council for Behavioral Health) is a membership 26 The National Council for Mental Wellbeing (formerly the National Council for Behavioral Health) is a membership
and advocacy organization focusing on behavioral health and behavioral health providers. Members include health care and advocacy organization focusing on behavioral health and behavioral health providers. Members include health care
organizations and management entities that offer treatment for behavioral health issues. The National Council for organizations and management entities that offer treatment for behavioral health issues. The National Council for
Behavioral Health frequently partners with HHS and SAMHSA to carry out certain activities. More information can be Behavioral Health frequently partners with HHS and SAMHSA to carry out certain activities. More information can be
found at https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/. found at https://www.thenationalcouncil.org/.
27 HHS, SAMHSA, 27 HHS, SAMHSA, Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees for FY2022, http://www.hhs.gov/budget , http://www.hhs.gov/budget
28 MHAT grants are typically in the amount of $125,000. 28 MHAT grants are typically in the amount of $125,000.
29 HHS, SAMHSA, 29 HHS, SAMHSA, ReCAST (Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma) Grants, Grants Archive, FY2016, , Grants Archive, FY2016,
https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/awards/2016/SM-16-012. https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/awards/2016/SM-16-012.
30 HHS, SAMHSA, 30 HHS, SAMHSA, ReCAST (Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma) Grants, Grants Archive, FY2018, , Grants Archive, FY2018,
https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/awards/2018/SM-17-009; and HHS, SAMHSA, https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/awards/2018/SM-17-009; and HHS, SAMHSA, Justification of Estimates for
Appropriations Committees for FY2021,, http://www.hhs.gov/budget. http://www.hhs.gov/budget.
31 HHS, SAMHSA, 31 HHS, SAMHSA, Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees for FY2023, http://www.hhs.gov/budget. , http://www.hhs.gov/budget.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

7 7

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

Matching Grant Program for School Security
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
DOJ, Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of DOJ, Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Bureau of
For BJA: $82.0 mil ion For BJA: $82.0 mil ion
Justice Assistance (BJA); and DOJ, Community Justice Assistance (BJA); and DOJ, Community
For COPS: $53.0 mil ion For COPS: $53.0 mil ion
Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
Authorizing Legislation
All grants are awarded to state, local, and tribal All grants are awarded to state, local, and tribal
The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act
governments for programs to address school violence governments for programs to address school violence
of 2000 (P.L. 106-386), §1108(b) of 2000 (P.L. 106-386), §1108(b)
and enhance school security. and enhance school security.
Under the Matching Grant Program for School Security, BJA is authorized to award competitive Under the Matching Grant Program for School Security, BJA is authorized to award competitive
grants to state, tribal, and local governments32 for grants to state, tribal, and local governments32 for
 training school personnel and students to prevent student violence against others  training school personnel and students to prevent student violence against others
and themselves; and themselves;
 developing and operating anonymous reporting systems for threats of school  developing and operating anonymous reporting systems for threats of school
violence, including mobile telephone applications, hotlines, and websites; violence, including mobile telephone applications, hotlines, and websites;
 developing and operating school threat assessment and intervention teams, which  developing and operating school threat assessment and intervention teams, which
may include coordination with law enforcement agencies and school personnel may include coordination with law enforcement agencies and school personnel
and specialized training for school officials in responding to mental health crises; and specialized training for school officials in responding to mental health crises;
and and
 implementing any other measure that the BJA Director determines may provide a  implementing any other measure that the BJA Director determines may provide a
significant improvement in training, school threat assessments and reporting, and significant improvement in training, school threat assessments and reporting, and
school violence prevention. school violence prevention.
BJA awards the funding it receives pursuant to the authorization for the Matching Grant Program BJA awards the funding it receives pursuant to the authorization for the Matching Grant Program
for School Security under its STOP School Violence program. In addition, for FY2022, the Office for School Security under its STOP School Violence program. In addition, for FY2022, the Office
of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) opened a grant solicitation under an of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP) opened a grant solicitation under an
Enhancing School Capacity to Address Youth Violence program, which OJJDP indicates is Enhancing School Capacity to Address Youth Violence program, which OJJDP indicates is
authorized under the Matching Grant Program for School Security. authorized under the Matching Grant Program for School Security.
The COPS Office is authorized to make grants to state, tribal, and local governments33 for The COPS Office is authorized to make grants to state, tribal, and local governments33 for
 coordination between schools and local law enforcement to improve security on  coordination between schools and local law enforcement to improve security on
school grounds; school grounds;
 training local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence against others  training local law enforcement officers to prevent student violence against others
and themselves; and themselves;
 placing and using metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures in  placing and using metal detectors, locks, lighting, and other deterrent measures in
schools; schools;
 acquiring and installing technology for expedited notification of local law  acquiring and installing technology for expedited notification of local law
enforcement during an emergency; and enforcement during an emergency; and
 implementing any other measure that the COPS Office Director determines may  implementing any other measure that the COPS Office Director determines may
provide a significant improvement in security. provide a significant improvement in security.

32 Per 34 U.S.C. Section 10554(1), for the purposes of this program, a local government is “a county, municipality, 32 Per 34 U.S.C. Section 10554(1), for the purposes of this program, a local government is “a county, municipality,
town, township, village, parish, borough, or other unit of general government below the State level.” town, township, village, parish, borough, or other unit of general government below the State level.”
33 Per 34 U.S.C. Section 10554(1), for the purposes of this program, a local government is “a county, municipality, 33 Per 34 U.S.C. Section 10554(1), for the purposes of this program, a local government is “a county, municipality,
town, township, village, parish, borough, or other unit of general government below the State level.” town, township, village, parish, borough, or other unit of general government below the State level.”
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

8 8

link to page 17 link to page 17 ~~link to page 17~~ Federal Support for School Safety and Security

The COPS Office awards the funding it receives pursuant to the authorization for the Matching The COPS Office awards the funding it receives pursuant to the authorization for the Matching
Grant Program for School Security under its School Violence Prevention program. Grant Program for School Security under its School Violence Prevention program.
State, local, and tribal governments can use grant awards for contracts or subgrants to LEAs, State, local, and tribal governments can use grant awards for contracts or subgrants to LEAs,
nonprofit organizations, and other units of local government or tribal organizations. Grantees nonprofit organizations, and other units of local government or tribal organizations. Grantees
under this program are required to provide a 25% match. under this program are required to provide a 25% match.
National Activities for School Safety (selected by the U.S. Secretary of
Education)
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
ED, OESE, OSHS ED, OESE, OSHS
School Climate Transformation Grants ($56.9 mil ion), School Climate Transformation Grants ($56.9 mil ion),
Project Prevent ($14.6 mil ion), Project Prevent ($14.6 mil ion),
Authorizing Legislation
Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration
National Activities for School Safety, ESEA, National Activities for School Safety, ESEA,
Grants ($12.2 mil ion), Grants ($12.2 mil ion),
Title IV-F, §§4601, 4631 Title IV-F, §§4601, 4631
School-Based Mental Health Services Grants ($11.0 School-Based Mental Health Services Grants ($11.0
mil ion), mil ion),
Grants to States for Emergency Management ($4.8 Grants to States for Emergency Management ($4.8
mil ion) mil ion)

Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
All funds support grants, contracts, or cooperative All funds support grants, contracts, or cooperative
agreements selected by the Secretary of Education to agreements selected by the Secretary of Education to
carry out activities to improve students’ safety and carry out activities to improve students’ safety and
well-being. well-being.
Title IV-F of the ESEA provides two authorizations for National Activities for School Safety Title IV-F of the ESEA provides two authorizations for National Activities for School Safety
programs. The first,programs. The first, Project School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV),34 is 34 is
discussed separately later in this report. The second authorizes the Secretary of Education to use a discussed separately later in this report. The second authorizes the Secretary of Education to use a
portion of funds reserved for National Activities for School Safety to carry out activities to portion of funds reserved for National Activities for School Safety to carry out activities to
improve students’ safety and well-being, during and after the school day, with public or private improve students’ safety and well-being, during and after the school day, with public or private
entities, individuals, or other federal agencies.35 This section of the report discusses five current entities, individuals, or other federal agencies.35 This section of the report discusses five current
National Activities for School Safety programs created by the Secretary of Education under this National Activities for School Safety programs created by the Secretary of Education under this
second authorization. second authorization.
Since 2017, there have been new competitions under three of these programs that first awarded Since 2017, there have been new competitions under three of these programs that first awarded
grants in 2014—Project Prevent, School Climate Transformation Grants, and Grants to States for grants in 2014—Project Prevent, School Climate Transformation Grants, and Grants to States for
Emergency Management. In addition, during the Trump Administration, U.S. Secretary of Emergency Management. In addition, during the Trump Administration, U.S. Secretary of
Education Betsy DeVos created two new competitive grant programs—School-Based Mental Education Betsy DeVos created two new competitive grant programs—School-Based Mental
Health Services Grants and Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grants. Health Services Grants and Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grants.
Descriptions of each of the five programs follow and are ordered by FY2022 appropriation Descriptions of each of the five programs follow and are ordered by FY2022 appropriation
amount from largest to smallest. amount from largest to smallest.
School Climate Transformation Grants
During the last three Administrations, the Secretary of Education has used a portion of National During the last three Administrations, the Secretary of Education has used a portion of National
Activities for School Safety funds to award School Climate Transformation Grants (SCTGs) to Activities for School Safety funds to award School Climate Transformation Grants (SCTGs) to
both state educational agencies (SEAs) and LEAs, known as SCTG-SEA and SCTG-LEA grants, both state educational agencies (SEAs) and LEAs, known as SCTG-SEA and SCTG-LEA grants,
respectively. The Secretary competitively awarded the first cohort of SCTG-SEA and SCTG-LEA respectively. The Secretary competitively awarded the first cohort of SCTG-SEA and SCTG-LEA

34 20 U.S.C. §7281(a)(1)(A). See the 34 20 U.S.C. §7281(a)(1)(A). See the “Project School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV)” section of this section of this
report. report.
35 20 U.S.C. §7281(a)(1)(B). 35 20 U.S.C. §7281(a)(1)(B).
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

9 9

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

grants in FY2014 to SEAs and LEAs that were developing, implementing, or expanding grants in FY2014 to SEAs and LEAs that were developing, implementing, or expanding
multitiered systems of support for improving school climate, fostering safety, and/or promoting multitiered systems of support for improving school climate, fostering safety, and/or promoting
supportive environments for students in public elementary and secondary schools. supportive environments for students in public elementary and secondary schools.
Among the most researched and widely implemented multitiered systems of support for Among the most researched and widely implemented multitiered systems of support for
improving school climate are multitiered behavioral frameworks, such as PBIS programs.36 improving school climate are multitiered behavioral frameworks, such as PBIS programs.36
Multitiered behavioral frameworks provide differing levels of behavioral support and intervention Multitiered behavioral frameworks provide differing levels of behavioral support and intervention
to students based on their needs. The broadest level of support in a multitiered behavioral to students based on their needs. The broadest level of support in a multitiered behavioral
framework involves the whole school (e.g., consistent rules, consequences, and reinforcement of framework involves the whole school (e.g., consistent rules, consequences, and reinforcement of
appropriate behavior). Subsequent tiers in the framework provide more intensive levels of support appropriate behavior). Subsequent tiers in the framework provide more intensive levels of support
to groups of students exhibiting at-risk behaviors, and individualized services to students who to groups of students exhibiting at-risk behaviors, and individualized services to students who
continue to exhibit problem behavior.37 continue to exhibit problem behavior.37
An FY2018 SCTG-SEA competition awarded new grants totaling approximately $9.0 million to An FY2018 SCTG-SEA competition awarded new grants totaling approximately $9.0 million to
14 SEAs. In FY2019, the SCTG-LEA competition awarded grants of $200,000 to $750,000 per 14 SEAs. In FY2019, the SCTG-LEA competition awarded grants of $200,000 to $750,000 per
year for up to five years to 69 LEAs in 25 states, totaling nearly $42.4 million in grants in its first year for up to five years to 69 LEAs in 25 states, totaling nearly $42.4 million in grants in its first
year.38 Both the FY2018 SCTG-SEA and the FY2019 SCTG-LEA competitions included a year.38 Both the FY2018 SCTG-SEA and the FY2019 SCTG-LEA competitions included a
competitive preference priority for programs with plans to support communities impacted by the competitive preference priority for programs with plans to support communities impacted by the
opioid crisis by incorporating opioid abuse mitigation and prevention strategies into the opioid crisis by incorporating opioid abuse mitigation and prevention strategies into the
multitiered systems of support for improving school climate described in their applications.39 multitiered systems of support for improving school climate described in their applications.39
SCTG-SEA grant recipients are eligible for continuation awards through FY2022 and SCTG-LEA SCTG-SEA grant recipients are eligible for continuation awards through FY2022 and SCTG-LEA
grant recipients are eligible for continuation funding through FY2023. grant recipients are eligible for continuation funding through FY2023.
Project Prevent
Project Prevent grants are intended to increase the capacity of LEAs to assist schools in providing Project Prevent grants are intended to increase the capacity of LEAs to assist schools in providing
students who have been directly or indirectly exposed to violence with a variety of support students who have been directly or indirectly exposed to violence with a variety of support
services and school-based violence prevention strategies in order to help break the cycle of services and school-based violence prevention strategies in order to help break the cycle of
violence in their communities. Project Prevent grantees must provide counseling, school-based violence in their communities. Project Prevent grantees must provide counseling, school-based
social emotional and behavioral supports, and other assistance to schools to help them identify, social emotional and behavioral supports, and other assistance to schools to help them identify,
assess, and serve students exposed to violence. In addition, in the most recent Project Prevent assess, and serve students exposed to violence. In addition, in the most recent Project Prevent
grant competition in FY2019, grantees were encouraged to demonstrate how they would grant competition in FY2019, grantees were encouraged to demonstrate how they would
collaborate with a local mental health agency in their applications.40 In 2019, ED awarded Project collaborate with a local mental health agency in their applications.40 In 2019, ED awarded Project

36 ED supports a technical assistance center on PBIS and SCTGs. See the PBIS website for additional information, 36 ED supports a technical assistance center on PBIS and SCTGs. See the PBIS website for additional information,
available at https://www.pbis.org/. available at https://www.pbis.org/.
37 U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, “Applications for New Awards; 37 U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, “Applications for New Awards;
School Climate Transformation Grant Program-State Educational Agency Grants,” 83School Climate Transformation Grant Program-State Educational Agency Grants,” 83 Federal Register 35466, July 26, 35466, July 26,
2018. 2018.
38 The total amount of SCTG-LEA grants awarded in the first year of the 2019 grant competition was $42,385,286 38 The total amount of SCTG-LEA grants awarded in the first year of the 2019 grant competition was $42,385,286
according to ED, OESE, “School Climate Transformation Grant - Local Educational Agency Grants, 2019 Grant according to ED, OESE, “School Climate Transformation Grant - Local Educational Agency Grants, 2019 Grant
Awards,” https://www2.ed.gov/programs/schoolclimatelea/2019awards.html, October 21, 2019. Awards,” https://www2.ed.gov/programs/schoolclimatelea/2019awards.html, October 21, 2019.
39 See ED, OESE, “Applications for New Awards; School Climate Transformation Grant Program-State Educational 39 See ED, OESE, “Applications for New Awards; School Climate Transformation Grant Program-State Educational
Agency Grants,” 83Agency Grants,” 83 Federal Register 35465-35469, July 26, 2018; ED, “Applications for New Awards; School 35465-35469, July 26, 2018; ED, “Applications for New Awards; School
Climate Transformation Grant Program-Local Educational Agency Grants,” 84Climate Transformation Grant Program-Local Educational Agency Grants,” 84 Federal Register 26829-26835, June 26829-26835, June
10, 2019; and ED, 10, 2019; and ED, Performance Summary Report Fiscal Year 2019: In Support of the National Drug Control Strategy, ,
Washington, DC, March 13, 2020, https://oese.ed.gov/files/2020/09/FY-2019-ONDCP-Performance-Summary-Washington, DC, March 13, 2020, https://oese.ed.gov/files/2020/09/FY-2019-ONDCP-Performance-Summary-
Final.pdf. Final.pdf.
40 The FY2019 Project Prevent grant competition included a Competitive Preference Priority (which could result in up 40 The FY2019 Project Prevent grant competition included a Competitive Preference Priority (which could result in up
to eight additional points on the application score) for projects that showed they had an agreement with a local mental to eight additional points on the application score) for projects that showed they had an agreement with a local mental
health agency to provide resources and/or administer services to support their program. See ED, OESE, “Applications health agency to provide resources and/or administer services to support their program. See ED, OESE, “Applications
for New Awards; Project Prevent Grant Program,” 84for New Awards; Project Prevent Grant Program,” 84 Federal Register 26082, June 5, 2019. 26082, June 5, 2019.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

10 10

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

Prevent Prevent grants to 15 LEAs in 14 states, totaling approximately $11.4 million, to support initiatives grants to 15 LEAs in 14 states, totaling approximately $11.4 million, to support initiatives
offering students social and emotional supports to cope with trauma or anxiety due to violence in offering students social and emotional supports to cope with trauma or anxiety due to violence in
their communities and implementing conflict resolution and other school-based strategies to their communities and implementing conflict resolution and other school-based strategies to
prevent future violence.41 In FY2022, ED awarded $11.6 million in Project Prevent grant prevent future violence.41 In FY2022, ED awarded $11.6 million in Project Prevent grant
continuation awards, and an additional $3 million in new grant awards.42 continuation awards, and an additional $3 million in new grant awards.42
Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grants
In FY2019, ED awarded the first cohort of Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration In FY2019, ED awarded the first cohort of Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration
Grants. In the only competition for this program to date, ED granted up to $500,000 to 3 SEAs Grants. In the only competition for this program to date, ED granted up to $500,000 to 3 SEAs
and 24 LEAs in 17 states to support partnerships that are to train school-based mental health and 24 LEAs in 17 states to support partnerships that are to train school-based mental health
service providers to serve in schools located in high-need LEAs.43 The program’s purpose is to service providers to serve in schools located in high-need LEAs.43 The program’s purpose is to
“expand the pipeline of high-quality, trained professionals to address shortages of mental health “expand the pipeline of high-quality, trained professionals to address shortages of mental health
services in high-need schools[44] and to provide supports that encompass social and emotional services in high-need schools[44] and to provide supports that encompass social and emotional
learning, mental wellness, resilience, and positive connections between students and adults.”45 learning, mental wellness, resilience, and positive connections between students and adults.”45
School-Based Mental Health Services Grants
In summer 2020, as the country was confronting the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 In summer 2020, as the country was confronting the mental health impacts of the COVID-19
pandemic on children and youth, ED solicited applications for the first School-Based Mental pandemic on children and youth, ED solicited applications for the first School-Based Mental
Health Services Grants competition. In FY2020, Congress increased ED’s funding for the overall Health Services Grants competition. In FY2020, Congress increased ED’s funding for the overall
School Safety National Activities program and included instructions in the Explanatory Statement School Safety National Activities program and included instructions in the Explanatory Statement
that a grant program should be created with the purpose of increasing the number of counselors, that a grant program should be created with the purpose of increasing the number of counselors,
social workers, psychologists, or other service providers who deliver school-based mental health social workers, psychologists, or other service providers who deliver school-based mental health
services to K-12 students. School-Based Mental Health Services Grants were awarded to six services to K-12 students. School-Based Mental Health Services Grants were awarded to six
SEAs46 to increase the number of mental health professionals (e.g., counselors, social workers, SEAs46 to increase the number of mental health professionals (e.g., counselors, social workers,
psychologists) who provide school-based mental health services to students in high-need LEAs. psychologists) who provide school-based mental health services to students in high-need LEAs.
SEAs awarded School-Based Mental Health Services Grants must abide by supplement-not-SEAs awarded School-Based Mental Health Services Grants must abide by supplement-not-
supplant provisions and are required to provide matching funds of at least 25% of their grant supplant provisions and are required to provide matching funds of at least 25% of their grant
amounts. amounts.

41 ED, 41 ED, Project Prevent Grant Program, November 6, 2019, https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-formula-grants/safe-, November 6, 2019, https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-formula-grants/safe-
supportive-schools/project-prevent-grant-program/. supportive-schools/project-prevent-grant-program/.
42 U.S. Department of Education, 42 U.S. Department of Education, Department of Education Safe Schools and Citizenship Education Fiscal Year 2023
Budget Request, Washington, DC, p. 14, https://www2.ed.gov/about/overview/budget/budget23/justifications/d-, Washington, DC, p. 14, https://www2.ed.gov/about/overview/budget/budget23/justifications/d-
ssce.pdf. ssce.pdf.
43 43 High-need local educational agency (LEA) is defined in the is defined in the Federal Register based on factors such as the number based on factors such as the number
and percentage of low-income families living in the LEA, rural status, and teachers with emergency, provisional, or and percentage of low-income families living in the LEA, rural status, and teachers with emergency, provisional, or
temporary certification or licensure. For the full definition, see ED, OESE, “Applications for New Awards; Mental temporary certification or licensure. For the full definition, see ED, OESE, “Applications for New Awards; Mental
Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program,” 84Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program,” 84 Federal Register 29180-29186, June 21, 2019, 29180-29186, June 21, 2019,
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2019-13289/p-68. https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2019-13289/p-68.
44 44 High-need school is defined in the is defined in the Federal Register based on each LEA’s ranking of each school by percentage of based on each LEA’s ranking of each school by percentage of
students from low-income families enrolled in the LEA’s schools, as determined by the LEA based on one of several students from low-income families enrolled in the LEA’s schools, as determined by the LEA based on one of several
measures of poverty. For more information, see ED, OESE, “Applications for New Awards; Mental Health Service measures of poverty. For more information, see ED, OESE, “Applications for New Awards; Mental Health Service
Professional Demonstration Grant Program,” 84Professional Demonstration Grant Program,” 84 Federal Register 29180-29186, June 21, 2019, 29180-29186, June 21, 2019,
https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2019-13289/p-75. https://www.federalregister.gov/d/2019-13289/p-75.
45 ED, “U.S. Department of Education Announces New Grant Awards to Address School Safety and Improve Access to 45 ED, “U.S. Department of Education Announces New Grant Awards to Address School Safety and Improve Access to
Mental Health Services,” press release, October 8, 2019, https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-Mental Health Services,” press release, October 8, 2019, https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-
education-announces-new-grant-awards-address-school-safety-and-improve-access-mental-health-services. education-announces-new-grant-awards-address-school-safety-and-improve-access-mental-health-services.
46 The six SEAs were in Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Wisconsin. 46 The six SEAs were in Nevada, New Mexico, Ohio, Rhode Island, Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

11 11

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

Grants to States for Emergency Management
In FY2018, ED awarded 10 SEAs and the Public School System of the Northern Mariana Islands In FY2018, ED awarded 10 SEAs and the Public School System of the Northern Mariana Islands
five-year grants of up to $750,000 under the Grants to States for Emergency Management five-year grants of up to $750,000 under the Grants to States for Emergency Management
(GSEM) program.47 The GSEM program is intended to build the capacity of states to provide (GSEM) program.47 The GSEM program is intended to build the capacity of states to provide
LEAs training and technical assistance in the development and implementation of high-quality LEAs training and technical assistance in the development and implementation of high-quality
school emergency operations plans to address both natural and man-made threats. To be school emergency operations plans to address both natural and man-made threats. To be
considered high-quality under the terms of the grant, school emergency operations plans considered high-quality under the terms of the grant, school emergency operations plans
developed with GSEM grant funding must address five mission areas: (1) prevention, (2) developed with GSEM grant funding must address five mission areas: (1) prevention, (2)
protection, (3) mitigation, (4) response, and (5) recovery.48 protection, (3) mitigation, (4) response, and (5) recovery.48
Healthy Transitions Program
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
HHS, SAMHSA HHS, SAMHSA
$29.5 mil ion $29.5 mil ion
Authorizing Legislation
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
PHSA, §520A Mental Health PRNS PHSA, §520A Mental Health PRNS
The Healthy Transitions program supports services The Healthy Transitions program supports services
addressing serious mental disorders among youth and addressing serious mental disorders among youth and
young adults aged 16 to 25. young adults aged 16 to 25.
The Healthy Transitions program supports services for youth and young adults aged 16 to 25 who The Healthy Transitions program supports services for youth and young adults aged 16 to 25 who
either have, or are at risk of developing, a serious mental health condition. According to either have, or are at risk of developing, a serious mental health condition. According to
SAMHSA, youth and young adults with mental illness and substance use disorders are more SAMHSA, youth and young adults with mental illness and substance use disorders are more
likely than their peers to face a more difficult transition to adulthood.49 Healthy Transitions grants likely than their peers to face a more difficult transition to adulthood.49 Healthy Transitions grants
support screening and detection, outreach and engagement, referrals to treatment, coordination of support screening and detection, outreach and engagement, referrals to treatment, coordination of
care, and evidence-based treatment interventions for this population. Grant-supported activities care, and evidence-based treatment interventions for this population. Grant-supported activities
emphasize outreach and engagement to facilitate access to effective behavioral health emphasize outreach and engagement to facilitate access to effective behavioral health
interventions. Grantees include the state, tribal, or territorial agencies responsible for delivery of interventions. Grantees include the state, tribal, or territorial agencies responsible for delivery of
mental health services to youth and young adults. mental health services to youth and young adults.
The Healthy Transitions program originated in the Obama Administration’s 2013 The Healthy Transitions program originated in the Obama Administration’s 2013 Now Is the Time
initiative.50 In its FY2020 Congressional Budget Justification, SAMHSA stated that this initiative.50 In its FY2020 Congressional Budget Justification, SAMHSA stated that this
program—in addition to Project AWARE—is “in support of the Federal Commission on School program—in addition to Project AWARE—is “in support of the Federal Commission on School
Safety which is aimed at reducing the incidences of school violence across the country and Safety which is aimed at reducing the incidences of school violence across the country and
increasing school-based mental health services.”51 In 2019, increasing school-based mental health services.”51 In 2019, The Healthy Transitions: Improving
Life Trajectories for Youth and Young Adults with Serious Mental Disorders Program grants grants
specifically supported services addressing serious mental disorders among youth and young specifically supported services addressing serious mental disorders among youth and young
adults aged 16 to 25. In FY2021, SAMHSA awarded one new grant and adults aged 16 to 25. In FY2021, SAMHSA awarded one new grant and ~~supported~~support the the
continuation of 27 grants. continuation of 27 grants.

47 The 10 SEAs were in Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South 47 The 10 SEAs were in Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South
Carolina, and Tennessee. GSEM grants were awarded one previous time (in 2014). Carolina, and Tennessee. GSEM grants were awarded one previous time (in 2014).
48 ED, OESE, “Applications for New Awards; Grants to States for School Emergency Management Program,” 83 48 ED, OESE, “Applications for New Awards; Grants to States for School Emergency Management Program,” 83
Federal Register 37797, August 2, 2018. 37797, August 2, 2018.
49 HHS, SAMHSA, 49 HHS, SAMHSA, Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees for FY2021, http://www.hhs.gov/budget. , http://www.hhs.gov/budget.
50 HHS, SAMHSA, 50 HHS, SAMHSA, “Now is the Time” Healthy Transitions (HT): Improving Life Trajectories for Youth and Young
Adults with, or at Risk for, Serious Mental Health Conditions, Funding Opportunity Announcement, April 11, 2014, , Funding Opportunity Announcement, April 11, 2014,
https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/sm-14-017. https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/sm-14-017.
51 HHS, SAMHSA, 51 HHS, SAMHSA, Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees for FY2020, p. 4, http://www.hhs.gov/, p. 4, http://www.hhs.gov/
budget. budget.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

12 12

link to page 8 link to page 8 Federal Support for School Safety and Security

Trauma Recovery Demonstration Grants
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
ED, OESE, OSHS ED, OESE, OSHS
$6.6 million $6.6 million
Authorizing Legislation
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
ESEA, Title IV-A, §4103(a)(3) ESEA, Title IV-A, §4103(a)(3)
All funds support demonstration grants to help All funds support demonstration grants to help
students from low-income families who have students from low-income families who have
experienced trauma access trauma-specific mental experienced trauma access trauma-specific mental
health services. health services.
In FY2019, ED established Trauma Recovery Demonstration grants to SEAs to fund model In FY2019, ED established Trauma Recovery Demonstration grants to SEAs to fund model
programs supporting students from low-income families who have experienced trauma that programs supporting students from low-income families who have experienced trauma that
negatively affects their educational experience. Specifically, these grants are intended to help negatively affects their educational experience. Specifically, these grants are intended to help
such students and their families access trauma-specific mental health services.52 To establish this such students and their families access trauma-specific mental health services.52 To establish this
grant program, ED used funds from the 2% reservation under Section 4103(a)(3) of the ESEA, grant program, ED used funds from the 2% reservation under Section 4103(a)(3) of the ESEA,
which provides for technical assistance and capacity building to support the SSAE grants which provides for technical assistance and capacity building to support the SSAE grants
program.53 The competition included a competitive preference priority for SEAs that partnered program.53 The competition included a competitive preference priority for SEAs that partnered
with one or more nonprofit organizations, IHEs, or state or local mental health agencies.54 SEAs with one or more nonprofit organizations, IHEs, or state or local mental health agencies.54 SEAs
awarded a Trauma Recovery Demonstration grant are required to provide students who access awarded a Trauma Recovery Demonstration grant are required to provide students who access
mental health services through the program with a choice of providers to best meet their needs. mental health services through the program with a choice of providers to best meet their needs.
ED awarded the first five Trauma Recovery Demonstration grants to SEAs in Alaska, Delaware, ED awarded the first five Trauma Recovery Demonstration grants to SEAs in Alaska, Delaware,
Hawaii, Louisiana, and Nevada. Hawaii, Louisiana, and Nevada.
Project School Emergency Response to Violence (Project SERV)
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
ED, OESE, OSHS ED, OESE, OSHS
$5.0 mil ion $5.0 mil ion
Authorizing Legislation
FY2022 Awards (as of ~~May 26~~June 16, 2022)
National Activities for School Safety, National Activities for School Safety,
$ $~~115,314~~3,012,293
ESEA, Title IV-F, §§4601, 4631 ESEA, Title IV-F, §§4601, 4631
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
100% of Project SERV grants support schools 100% of Project SERV grants support schools
recovering from crises or traumatic events. The recovering from crises or traumatic events. The
number of grants provided to K-12 schools recovering number of grants provided to K-12 schools recovering
from school violence varies each year. IHEs and schools from school violence varies each year. IHEs and schools
recovering from natural disasters also may receive recovering from natural disasters also may receive
Project SERV grants.Project SERV grants.
Section 4601 of the ESEA requires the Secretary of Education to reserve $5 million of the Section 4601 of the ESEA requires the Secretary of Education to reserve $5 million of the
National Activities appropriation, under the Title IV, 21st Century Schools program, for National National Activities appropriation, under the Title IV, 21st Century Schools program, for National
Activities for School Safety. The only National Activities for School Safety program that the Activities for School Safety. The only National Activities for School Safety program that the
Secretary of Education is required to use a portion of this reservation for is Project SERV. ED Secretary of Education is required to use a portion of this reservation for is Project SERV. ED
awarded Project SERV grants to LEAs and IHEs totaling over $8.awarded Project SERV grants to LEAs and IHEs totaling over $8.883 million in FY2019, $2. million in FY2019, $2.8

80 million in FY2020, $2.77 million in FY2021, and $3.01 million in the first half of 2022. 52 ED, “U.S. Department of Education Announces New Grant Awards to Address School Safety and Improve Access to 52 ED, “U.S. Department of Education Announces New Grant Awards to Address School Safety and Improve Access to
Mental Health Services,” press release, October 8, 2019, https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-Mental Health Services,” press release, October 8, 2019, https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-
education-announces-new-grant-awards-address-school-safety-and-improve-access-mental-health-services. education-announces-new-grant-awards-address-school-safety-and-improve-access-mental-health-services.
53 For more information, see the 53 For more information, see the “Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) Grants” section of this report, section of this report,
and CRS In Focus IF10910, and CRS In Focus IF10910, Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) Grants. .
54 ED, “Applications for New Awards; Trauma Recovery Demonstration Grant Program,” 84 54 ED, “Applications for New Awards; Trauma Recovery Demonstration Grant Program,” 84 Federal Register 32128, 32128,
July 5, 2019. July 5, 2019.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

13 13

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

~~million in FY2020, and $2.7 million in FY2021.~~ Appropriations for Project SERV not used in the Appropriations for Project SERV not used in the
fiscal year in which they are appropriated remain available for awards in subsequent years. fiscal year in which they are appropriated remain available for awards in subsequent years.
ED reported it had more than $13 million available for Project SERV grants, in May 2022, prior to awarding $1.5 million to the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District in Texas.55 Project SERV was first proposed in October 1998 as a program that would allow ED to help Project SERV was first proposed in October 1998 as a program that would allow ED to help
schools quickly in the wake of a school shooting.schools quickly in the wake of a school shooting.5556 It was conceived of as a way for ED to It was conceived of as a way for ED to
respond to school based crises in the way the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) respond to school based crises in the way the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
supports communities struck by natural disasters.supports communities struck by natural disasters.5657 Congress first funded Project SERV in Congress first funded Project SERV in
FY2000 after the 1999 mass shooting at Columbine High School in Columbine, CO. In its first FY2000 after the 1999 mass shooting at Columbine High School in Columbine, CO. In its first
year, Project SERV provided support to two school communities after school shootings. When the year, Project SERV provided support to two school communities after school shootings. When the
September 11th terrorist attacks occurred in 2001, Congress recognized that Project SERV was a September 11th terrorist attacks occurred in 2001, Congress recognized that Project SERV was a
program that could support school communities through a wide variety of crises and expanded the program that could support school communities through a wide variety of crises and expanded the
list of crises affecting LEAs and IHEs that could qualify for Project SERV grants.list of crises affecting LEAs and IHEs that could qualify for Project SERV grants.5758
Currently, LEAs and IHEs are eligible to apply for a Project SERV grant if they experience a Currently, LEAs and IHEs are eligible to apply for a Project SERV grant if they experience a
violent or traumatic crisis, which disrupts the learning environment, and can: violent or traumatic crisis, which disrupts the learning environment, and can:
1) Demonstrate the traumatic effect on the learning environment including how the event 1) Demonstrate the traumatic effect on the learning environment including how the event
has disrupted teaching and learning; and has disrupted teaching and learning; and
2) Demonstrate that the needed services cannot be adequately provided with existing 2) Demonstrate that the needed services cannot be adequately provided with existing
resources in a comprehensive and timely manner, and that the provision of services and resources in a comprehensive and timely manner, and that the provision of services and
assistance will result in an undue financial hardship on the LEA or IHE.assistance will result in an undue financial hardship on the LEA or IHE.5859
LEAs and IHEs may apply for a Project SERV grant for a variety of reasons, including but not LEAs and IHEs may apply for a Project SERV grant for a variety of reasons, including but not
limited to limited to
 school shootings;  school shootings;
 suicide clusters;  suicide clusters;
 terrorism (e.g., September 11th attacks, DC sniper shootings);  terrorism (e.g., September 11th attacks, DC sniper shootings);
 major natural disasters or pandemics (e.g., Hurricanes Harvey and Maria,  major natural disasters or pandemics (e.g., Hurricanes Harvey and Maria,
COVID-19); COVID-19);
 bus accidents;  bus accidents;
 homicides of students, teachers, or school personnel (committed off school  homicides of students, teachers, or school personnel (committed off school
grounds); and grounds); and
 hate crimes committed against students, faculty members, and/or staff.  hate crimes committed against students, faculty members, and/or staff.5960
Project SERV funds may be used for a wide variety of activities, including mental health Project SERV funds may be used for a wide variety of activities, including mental health
assessments, referrals, and services for students, faculty, other school personnel, and members of assessments, referrals, and services for students, faculty, other school personnel, and members of
their immediate families; temporary security measures; technical assistance in developing an their immediate families; temporary security measures; technical assistance in developing an
~~appropriate recovery plan for addressing student needs; and training for teachers and staff in~~
~~implementing the LEA’s recovery plan.~~
~~Project SERV funds are managed by different offices within ED, depending on the type of event~~
~~that has disrupted the learning environment in the school(s) receiving Project SERV funds.~~

55 55 Juan Perez Jr., “Education Department fast-tracks $1.5 million to Uvalde schools,” Politico, June 13, 2022. 56 Jessica Portner, “President Seeks To Boost Federal Role in School Safety,” Jessica Portner, “President Seeks To Boost Federal Role in School Safety,” Education Week, Vol. 18, Issue 8, , Vol. 18, Issue 8,
October 18, 1998, pp. 6-7. October 18, 1998, pp. 6-7.
5657 Joetta L. Sack, “Project SERV Funds Directed To Attacked Areas,” Joetta L. Sack, “Project SERV Funds Directed To Attacked Areas,” Education Week, October 3, 2001. , October 3, 2001.
5758 Ibid. Ibid.
5859 ED, “Project School Emergency Response to Violence (SERV): Eligibility,” website, accessed June 2021, ED, “Project School Emergency Response to Violence (SERV): Eligibility,” website, accessed June 2021,
https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-formula-grants/safe-supportive-schools/project-serv-school-emergency-response-https://oese.ed.gov/offices/office-of-formula-grants/safe-supportive-schools/project-serv-school-emergency-response-
to-violence/eligibility-project-serv-school-emergency-response-to-violence/. to-violence/eligibility-project-serv-school-emergency-response-to-violence/.
5960 Ibid. Ibid.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

14 14

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

appropriate recovery plan for addressing student needs; and training for teachers and staff in implementing the LEA’s recovery plan. Project SERV funds are managed by different offices within ED, depending on the type of event that has disrupted the learning environment in the school(s) receiving Project SERV funds. Project SERV funds for schools that have experienced violent or traumatic events are managed by Project SERV funds for schools that have experienced violent or traumatic events are managed by
EDthe department’s Office of Safe and Supportive Schools’s Office of Safe and Supportive Schools;, while Project SERV funds provided in response to a major Project SERV funds provided in response to a major
natural disaster are managed by the ED’s Disaster Recovery Unit. natural disaster are managed by the ED’s Disaster Recovery Unit.
Student Safety and Campus Emergency Management Grants
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
ED ED
$0 $0
Authorizing Legislation
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
Higher Education Act (HEA; P.L. 89-329, as amended) Higher Education Act (HEA; P.L. 89-329, as amended)
All program funds are used to make grants to IHEs or All program funds are used to make grants to IHEs or
Title VIII-L, §821 Title VIII-L, §821
consortia of IHEs to carry out a range of activities to consortia of IHEs to carry out a range of activities to
improve safety and emergency communications at IHEs. improve safety and emergency communications at IHEs.
Grantees must provide nonfederal matching funds equal Grantees must provide nonfederal matching funds equal
to 100% of the amount of the federal grant.to 100% of the amount of the federal grant.
HEA Section 821 authorizes the Student Safety and Campus Emergency Management grant HEA Section 821 authorizes the Student Safety and Campus Emergency Management grant
program. Under the program, ED is authorized to award grants, on a competitive basis, to IHEs or program. Under the program, ED is authorized to award grants, on a competitive basis, to IHEs or
consortia of IHEs to pay for the federal share of costs to carry out a range of activities to improve consortia of IHEs to pay for the federal share of costs to carry out a range of activities to improve
safety and emergency communications at IHEs. Grant recipients must provide nonfederal safety and emergency communications at IHEs. Grant recipients must provide nonfederal
matching funds equal to 100% of the amount of the federal grant. matching funds equal to 100% of the amount of the federal grant.
Recipients may use funds for a variety of activities, including (1) developing and implementing Recipients may use funds for a variety of activities, including (1) developing and implementing
an emergency communications system to notify students of a significant emergency or dangerous an emergency communications system to notify students of a significant emergency or dangerous
situation; (2) supporting measures to improve safety at the grantee IHE campuses, such as situation; (2) supporting measures to improve safety at the grantee IHE campuses, such as
security assessments, personnel security training, and acquisition of security technologies and security assessments, personnel security training, and acquisition of security technologies and
systems (e.g., video surveillance); and (3) coordinating with local entities for the provision of systems (e.g., video surveillance); and (3) coordinating with local entities for the provision of
mental health services for students and staff affected by a campus or community emergency. mental health services for students and staff affected by a campus or community emergency.
The program was first authorized under the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (P.L. 110- The program was first authorized under the Higher Education Opportunity Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-
315). Appropriations were authorized for FY2009 through FY2014 at “such sums as may be 315). Appropriations were authorized for FY2009 through FY2014 at “such sums as may be
necessary.”necessary.”6061 The program has never received an appropriation and, thus, has never been The program has never received an appropriation and, thus, has never been
implemented. implemented.
Non-grant Programs and ~~Initiatives61~~Initiatives62
DHS Outreach and Capacity Building
Following the February 2018 mass shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Following the February 2018 mass shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in
Parkland, FL, DHS began focusing departmental resources on school security. Some of the Parkland, FL, DHS began focusing departmental resources on school security. Some of the
resources include a school safety after-action report and downloadable school safety and security resources include a school safety after-action report and downloadable school safety and security
guides.guides.6263 Other DHS outreach and capacity-building programs specifically focus on school Other DHS outreach and capacity-building programs specifically focus on school
~~security and include guidance, training, and support to assist LEAs with identifying and~~
~~addressing vulnerabilities, and evaluating and building capabilities, as described below.~~

6061 Section 422 of the General Education Provisions Act automatically extended the authorization of appropriation for Section 422 of the General Education Provisions Act automatically extended the authorization of appropriation for
the program for an additional year (through FY2015). the program for an additional year (through FY2015).
6162 Programs and initiatives are listed alphabetically. Programs and initiatives are listed alphabetically.
6263 U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), “School Safety and Security,” website, accessed June 2021, U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), “School Safety and Security,” website, accessed June 2021,
https://www.cisa.gov/school-safety-and-security. https://www.cisa.gov/school-safety-and-security.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

15 15

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

security and include guidance, training, and support to assist LEAs with identifying and addressing vulnerabilities, and evaluating and building capabilities, as described below. Enhancing School Safety Using a Threat Assessment Model
The U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) developed and published an The U.S. Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) developed and published an
operational guide that outlines steps schools can take to enhance their security.operational guide that outlines steps schools can take to enhance their security.6364
Active Shooter Preparedness: School Security and Resilience Training
DHS developed and published an active shooter preparedness training for educators, SROs, and DHS developed and published an active shooter preparedness training for educators, SROs, and
school administrators.school administrators.6465 The training is provided remotely through videos. The training is provided remotely through videos.
~~School Transportation Security Outreach~~
~~DHS provides guidelines and other materials to LEAs and their transportation providers on~~
~~school bus security. Publications include the “Employee Guide to School Bus Security”65 issued~~
~~by DHS’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA).~~
~~Campus Resilience Program (CRP)~~
Campus Resilience Program (CRP) The Campus Resilience Program (CRP) in DHS’s Office of Academic Engagement supports The Campus Resilience Program (CRP) in DHS’s Office of Academic Engagement supports
IHEs in developing and testing emergency preparedness and resilience. Through this program, IHEs in developing and testing emergency preparedness and resilience. Through this program,
DHS assists IHEs in building, sustaining, and promoting resilience by helping them identify DHS assists IHEs in building, sustaining, and promoting resilience by helping them identify
vulnerabilities, providing best practice guides and templates, and supporting opportunities for vulnerabilities, providing best practice guides and templates, and supporting opportunities for
IHEs to evaluate their preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities. CRP has a resource IHEs to evaluate their preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities. CRP has a resource
library for the academic community, including templates to address a range of vulnerabilities and library for the academic community, including templates to address a range of vulnerabilities and
risks. It includes a variety of capacity-building resources and tools to empower practitioners and risks. It includes a variety of capacity-building resources and tools to empower practitioners and
campus leaders to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from various threats and hazards campus leaders to better prepare for, respond to, and recover from various threats and hazards
posing a risk to the academic community,66 including guides and best practices on school and posing a risk to the academic community,66 including guides and best practices on school and
workplace violence.67workplace violence.67 School Transportation Security Outreach DHS provides guidelines and other materials to LEAs and their transportation providers on school bus security. Publications include the “Employee Guide to School Bus Security”68 issued by DHS’s Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Federal Commission on School Safety
In the wake of the February 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in In the wake of the February 2018 mass shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in
Parkland, FL, the Trump Administration formed the Federal Commission on School Safety to Parkland, FL, the Trump Administration formed the Federal Commission on School Safety to
make policy recommendations on a range of school safety and security issues. Chaired by then-make policy recommendations on a range of school safety and security issues. Chaired by then-
Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, the commission also included the leaders of DHS, DOJ, and Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, the commission also included the leaders of DHS, DOJ, and
HHS. Throughout the spring and summer of 2018, the commission conducted a series of HHS. Throughout the spring and summer of 2018, the commission conducted a series of
meetings, field visits, and listening sessions culminating in the meetings, field visits, and listening sessions culminating in the Final Report of the Federal
Commission on School Safety Presented to the President of the United States, which was released , which was released
in December 2018. The report provided recommendations to the federal government and state and in December 2018. The report provided recommendations to the federal government and state and
local communities on 19 school safety-related issues organized under three main topic areas: local communities on 19 school safety-related issues organized under three main topic areas:
~~1. Prevent—preventing school violence,~~

6364 DHS, “School Safety and Security,” website, accessed June 2021, https://www.cisa.gov/publication/enhancing- DHS, “School Safety and Security,” website, accessed June 2021, https://www.cisa.gov/publication/enhancing-
school-safety-using-threat-assessment-model-operational-guide-preventing. school-safety-using-threat-assessment-model-operational-guide-preventing.
6465 DHS, “School Safety and Security,” website, accessed June 2021, https://www.cisa.gov/school-safety-and-security DHS, “School Safety and Security,” website, accessed June 2021, https://www.cisa.gov/school-safety-and-security.
~~65 DHS, “School Safety and Security,” website, accessed June 2021, https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=770767~~. .
66 For more information on the CRP, see https://www.dhs.gov/academicresilience. 66 For more information on the CRP, see https://www.dhs.gov/academicresilience.
67 DHS, “School and Workplace Violence,” website, https://www.dhs.gov/school-and-workplace-violence67 DHS, “School and Workplace Violence,” website, https://www.dhs.gov/school-and-workplace-violence. 68 DHS, “School Safety and Security,” website, accessed June 2021, https://www.hsdl.org/?abstract&did=770767. .
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

16 16

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

1. Prevent—preventing school violence, 2. Protect and Mitigate—protecting students and teachers and mitigating the effects 2. Protect and Mitigate—protecting students and teachers and mitigating the effects
of violence, and of violence, and
3. Respond and Recover—responding to and recovering from attacks. 3. Respond and Recover—responding to and recovering from attacks.6869
SchoolSafety.gov
The The Final Report of the Federal Commission on School Safety Presented to the President of the
United States provided the recommendation that “the federal government should develop a provided the recommendation that “the federal government should develop a
clearinghouse to assess, identify, and share best practices related to school security measures, clearinghouse to assess, identify, and share best practices related to school security measures,
technologies, and innovations.”technologies, and innovations.”6970 DHS administers SchoolSafety.gov, which provides a central DHS administers SchoolSafety.gov, which provides a central
location for school safety and security materials provided by ED, DHS, HHS, and DOJ and serves location for school safety and security materials provided by ED, DHS, HHS, and DOJ and serves
as the clearinghouse recommended by the commission. SchoolSafety.gov provides schools and as the clearinghouse recommended by the commission. SchoolSafety.gov provides schools and
school districts with actionable recommendations and school safety resources to help create safe school districts with actionable recommendations and school safety resources to help create safe
and supportive learning environments. SchoolSafety.gov’s resources are presented along a and supportive learning environments. SchoolSafety.gov’s resources are presented along a
preparedness continuum, beginning with prevention and progressing through protection, preparedness continuum, beginning with prevention and progressing through protection,
mitigation, response, and recovery. Topics covered include bullying, mental health, school mitigation, response, and recovery. Topics covered include bullying, mental health, school
climate, physical security, security personnel, emergency planning, threat assessment and climate, physical security, security personnel, emergency planning, threat assessment and
reporting, and recovery. reporting, and recovery.
~~Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council (HSAAC)~~
~~DHS, in partnership with ED, chairs the Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council~~
~~(HSAAC), which works with and advises state and local schools, including colleges and~~
~~universities, on security issues. The HSAAC is currently comprised of 19 members in addition to~~
~~the DHS Chair: 16 members are administrators of IHEs or leaders of higher education~~
~~consortiums or associations, and 3 are ex-officio members from DOJ, ED, and the U.S.~~
~~Department of State. The HSAAC also provides advice and recommendations to the DHS~~
~~Secretary and departmental senior leadership on matters related to homeland security and the~~
~~academic community, including student and recent student graduate recruitment, international~~
~~students, academic research, campus resilience, homeland security academic programs, and~~
~~cybersecurity.70~~
~~Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime~~
~~Statistics Act~~
~~HEA Section 485(f), referred to as the Clery Act, requires domestic IHEs that participate in the~~
~~HEA Title IV federal student financial aid programs to (1) report campus crime statistics to ED71~~
~~and (2) establish and disseminate campus safety and security policies. Both the campus crime~~
~~statistics and campus safety and security policies must be compiled and disseminated to current~~
~~and prospective students and employees in an IHE’s annual security report (ASR).~~

~~68 Federal Commission on School Safety,~~ ~~Final Report of the Federal Commission on School Safety Presented to the~~
~~President of the United States, ED, DOJ, DHS, and HHS, Washington, DC, December 18, 2018, p. 13,~~
~~https://www2.ed.gov/documents/school-safety/school-safety-report.pdf.~~
~~69 Ibid., p. 126.~~
~~70 DHS, Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council (HSAAC), https://www.dhs.gov/homeland-security-academic-~~
~~advisory-council-hsaac#.~~
~~71 For additional information, see ED, “Campus Safety,” https://www2.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/campus.html,~~
~~accessed May 14, 2021.~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

17

~~Federal Support for School Safety and Security~~

~~Campus crime statistics that IHEs are required to report to ED and include in their ASRs include~~
~~data on the on campus72~~Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 and Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990 The Gun-Free School Zones Act71 was originally enacted as part of the Crime Control Act of 1990 (P.L. 101-647) prohibiting “any individual knowingly to possess a firearm at a place that the individual knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, is a school zone.”72 Among other things, the law prohibits individuals (with certain exceptions73) from bringing a firearm into, on the grounds of, or within 1,000 feet of a school, meaning a public, parochial, or private school that provides elementary or secondary education.74 Individuals who violate the Gun-Free School Zones Act may be fined, imprisoned for not more than five years, or both.75 After the Supreme Court ruled in 1995 that the Gun-Free School Zones Act exceeded Congress’ Commerce Clause authority,76 the 104th Congress amended the associated U.S. Code provisions77 69 Federal Commission on School Safety, Final Report of the Federal Commission on School Safety Presented to the President of the United States, ED, DOJ, DHS, and HHS, Washington, DC, December 18, 2018, p. 13, https://www2.ed.gov/documents/school-safety/school-safety-report.pdf. 70 Ibid., p. 126. 71 Section 1702 of P.L. 101-647. 72 18 U.S.C. §922(q)(1)(A). 73 Exceptions under current law include if the individual is a law-enforcement officer, traversing school premises to gain access to hunting lands, in possession of a license issued by the state or a political subdivision of the state, participating in a school-approved program or pursuant to contract with the school, or on private property not part of school grounds; or if the firearm is not loaded and is in a locked container or motor-vehicle-mounted gun rack. See 18 U.S.C. §922(q). 74 18 C.F.R. §§921(a)(25-26). 75 18 C.F.R. §924(a)(4). 76 United States v. Lopez, 514 U.S. 549 (1995). 77 18 U.S.C. §922(q). Congressional Research Service 17 Federal Support for School Safety and Security in the 1997 Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 104-208) to include an explicit connection between guns and interstate commerce, declaring among its findings, “firearms and ammunition move easily in interstate commerce and have been found in increasing numbers in and around schools.”78 In addition, Congress added a clause about interstate commerce to the provisions, specifying the act applies to individuals who knowingly possess “a firearm that has moved in or that otherwise affects interstate or foreign commerce.”79 Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994 In March 1994, Congress enacted the similarly named Gun-Free Schools Act (GFSA), which requires states to adopt certain policies as a condition of receiving federal funding under the ESEA. The GFSA was originally enacted as an amendment to the ESEA under the Goals 2000: Educate America Act (P.L. 103-227), requiring LEAs that received ESEA funds to have in effect a policy requiring any student who was determined to have brought a weapon to a school within that LEA be expelled from school for at least one year.80 Congress reauthorized the GFSA81 as part of the comprehensive reauthorization of the ESEA under the Improving America’s Schools Act of 1994 (P.L. 103-382). The last significant update to the GFSA was during the comprehensive reauthorization of the ESEA under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (P.L. 107-110). With certain exceptions,82 the GFSA requires states receiving federal education funds under the ESEA to: (1) have in effect a State law requiring LEAs to expel from school for a period of not less than one year a student who is determined to have brought a firearm to school, or to have possessed a firearm at school; (2) have in effect a State law allowing an LEA’s chief administering officer to modify the expulsion requirement on a case-by-case basis, if such modification is in writing; and (3) report to the Secretary on an annual basis concerning information submitted by LEAs to the SEA.83 Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council (HSAAC) DHS, in partnership with ED, chairs the Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council (HSAAC), which works with and advises state and local schools, including colleges and universities, on security issues. The HSAAC is currently comprised of 19 members in addition to the DHS Chair: 16 members are administrators of IHEs or leaders of higher education consortiums or associations, and 3 are ex-officio members from DOJ, ED, and the U.S. Department of State. The HSAAC also provides advice and recommendations to the DHS Secretary and departmental senior leadership on matters related to homeland security and the 78 18 U.S.C. §922(q)(1)(C). 79 18 U.S.C. §922(q)(2)(A); “It shall be unlawful for any individual knowingly to possess a firearm that has moved in or that otherwise affects interstate or foreign commerce at a place that the individual knows, or has reasonable cause to believe, is a school zone.” 80 The provisions allowed for LEA’s policies to contain an exception allowing the “chief administering officer of the agency to modify such expulsion requirement for a student on a case-by-case basis.” P.L. 103-227, §8001(a)(1). 81 Section 14601 of P.L. 103-382. 82 Exceptions under current law include, “a firearm that is lawfully stored inside a locked vehicle on school property, or if it is for activities approved and authorized by the local educational agency and the local educational agency adopts appropriate safeguards to ensure student safety.” 20 U.S.C. §7961(g). 83 U.S. Department of Education, Office of Elementary and Secondary Education, Guidance Concerning State and Local Responsibilities, Washington, DC, November 2018. Congressional Research Service 18 Federal Support for School Safety and Security academic community, including student and recent student graduate recruitment, international students, academic research, campus resilience, homeland security academic programs, and cybersecurity.84 Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act HEA Section 485(f), referred to as the Clery Act, requires domestic IHEs that participate in the HEA Title IV federal student financial aid programs to (1) report campus crime statistics to ED85 and (2) establish and disseminate campus safety and security policies. Both the campus crime statistics and campus safety and security policies must be compiled and disseminated to current and prospective students and employees in an IHE’s annual security report (ASR). Campus crime statistics that IHEs are required to report to ED and include in their ASRs include data on the on campus86 occurrence of a range of offenses specified in statute, including murder, occurrence of a range of offenses specified in statute, including murder,
burglary, robbery, domestic violence, rape, and other forms of sexual violence. burglary, robbery, domestic violence, rape, and other forms of sexual violence.
ASRs must also include statements of campus safety and security policies regarding, for example, ASRs must also include statements of campus safety and security policies regarding, for example,
 procedures and facilities for students and others to report criminal actions or  procedures and facilities for students and others to report criminal actions or
other emergencies occurring on campus and an IHE’s response to such reports; other emergencies occurring on campus and an IHE’s response to such reports;
 facilities’ security and access;  facilities’ security and access;
 campus law enforcement, including the law enforcement authority of campus  campus law enforcement, including the law enforcement authority of campus
security personnel; security personnel;
 programs designed to inform students and employees about the prevention of  programs designed to inform students and employees about the prevention of
crimes; and crimes; and
 current campus policies regarding immediate emergency response and evacuation  current campus policies regarding immediate emergency response and evacuation
procedures. procedures.
Model Emergency Response Policies, Procedures, and Practices
HEA Section 822 requires the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Attorney General HEA Section 822 requires the Secretary of Education, in consultation with the Attorney General
and the Secretary of Homeland Security, to continue to (1) advise IHEs on model emergency and the Secretary of Homeland Security, to continue to (1) advise IHEs on model emergency
response and preparedness policies and procedures and (2) disseminate information about those response and preparedness policies and procedures and (2) disseminate information about those
policies and procedures. Following Section 822’s enactment, ED and several other agencies policies and procedures. Following Section 822’s enactment, ED and several other agencies
(including DHS and DOJ) published the (including DHS and DOJ) published the Guide for Developing High-Quality Emergency
Operations Plans for Institutions of Higher Education7387 to aid IHEs in creating emergency to aid IHEs in creating emergency
operations plans, which may meet Section 822’s mandate. operations plans, which may meet Section 822’s mandate.
84 DHS, Homeland Security Academic Advisory Council (HSAAC), https://www.dhs.gov/homeland-security-academic-advisory-council-hsaac#. 85 For additional information, see ED, “Campus Safety,” https://www2.ed.gov/admins/lead/safety/campus.html, accessed May 14, 2021. 86 For purposes of the Clery Act, campus includes campus areas, noncampus areas, and public property, if certain criteria are met. HEA §485(f)(6)(A)(ii). 87 ED et al., Guide for Developing High-Quality Emergency Operations Plans for Institutions of Higher Education, June 2013, https://rems.ed.gov/docs/rems_ihe_guide_508.pdf. Congressional Research Service 19 link to page 37 Federal Support for School Safety and Security Youth Preparedness Council
DHS, through FEMA, created the Youth Preparedness Council in 2012 to engage young leaders DHS, through FEMA, created the Youth Preparedness Council in 2012 to engage young leaders
interested in supporting emergency preparedness in their communities and schools. According to interested in supporting emergency preparedness in their communities and schools. According to
DHS, the members meet with FEMA staff throughout the school year to provide input on DHS, the members meet with FEMA staff throughout the school year to provide input on
strategies, initiatives, and projects, which may include school safety initiatives. Additionally, strategies, initiatives, and projects, which may include school safety initiatives. Additionally,
according to DHS, members attend FEMA’s annual council summit in Washington, DC.according to DHS, members attend FEMA’s annual council summit in Washington, DC.7488
Programs That May Support School Safety
Initiatives
This section of the report presents federal programs that do not specifically cite school safety and This section of the report presents federal programs that do not specifically cite school safety and
security as a primary purpose but may support related activities. These programs permit using security as a primary purpose but may support related activities. These programs permit using
funds to support school safety and security initiatives but do not require funds to be used in this funds to support school safety and security initiatives but do not require funds to be used in this
way. School safety efforts may or may not be explicitly cited as a permitted use of funds in way. School safety efforts may or may not be explicitly cited as a permitted use of funds in
authorizing legislation, appropriations report language, or other agency documents (such as the authorizing legislation, appropriations report language, or other agency documents (such as the

~~72 For purposes of the Clery Act, campus includes campus areas, noncampus areas, and public property, if certain~~
~~criteria are met. HEA §485(f)(6)(A)(ii).~~
~~73 ED et al., Guide for Developing High-Quality Emergency Operations Plans for Institutions of Higher Education,~~
~~June 2013, https://rems.ed.gov/docs/rems_ihe_guide_508.pdf.~~
~~74 DHS, “School Safety and Security,” website, accessed June 2021, https://www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness-~~
~~council.~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

18

~~link to page 35~~ ~~Federal Support for School Safety and Security~~

program web page or agency Congressional Budget Justifications). For example, programs that program web page or agency Congressional Budget Justifications). For example, programs that
are primarily focused on students’ academic achievement but allow a portion of funds to be used are primarily focused on students’ academic achievement but allow a portion of funds to be used
toward a variety of school-based programs—including school safety activities—are included in toward a variety of school-based programs—including school safety activities—are included in
this section, as are children’s mental health programs implemented in schools.this section, as are children’s mental health programs implemented in schools.7589 Activities for Activities for
some programs included in this section may not appear to be related to school safety, but may some programs included in this section may not appear to be related to school safety, but may
affect school safety-related outcomes. affect school safety-related outcomes.
Programs listed in this section are predominantly grant programs, including block grants, formula Programs listed in this section are predominantly grant programs, including block grants, formula
grants, or competitive grants. The grants, or competitive grants. The “Non-grant Programs and Initiatives” subsection describes subsection describes
several DHS security infrastructure programs and one Centers for Disease Control and Prevention several DHS security infrastructure programs and one Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
(CDC) surveillance and support initiative. (CDC) surveillance and support initiative.
88 DHS, “School Safety and Security,” website, accessed June 2021, https://www.ready.gov/youth-preparedness-council. 89 While research suggests that individuals with mental health issues are not necessarily more likely to commit violent acts than other individuals, mental health services (including a variety of social-emotional and behavioral health interventions) are often included as part of prevention, intermediation, and recovery activities pertaining to school safety. Therefore, programs that include school-based mental health services but may not explicitly mention “school safety and security” are included in this section. Most federally supported mental health programs that are administered in community-based settings—and do not explicitly address school safety and security—are not included in this report. Congressional Research Service 20 Federal Support for School Safety and Security Grant Programs
Education for the Disadvantaged: Grants to LEAs (Title I-A)
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
ED, OESE, Office of State Support (OSS) ED, OESE, Office of State Support (OSS)
$17.5 bil ion $17.5 bil ion
Authorizing Legislation
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
ESEA, Title I-A, §§1114, 1115 ESEA, Title I-A, §§1114, 1115
Title I-A schoolwide programs and targeted assistance Title I-A schoolwide programs and targeted assistance
programs primarily provide academic support to programs primarily provide academic support to
disadvantaged children, but may be used, in certain disadvantaged children, but may be used, in certain
circumstances, to provide school-based mental health circumstances, to provide school-based mental health
services or other social services. The exact amount services or other social services. The exact amount
used for school safety and security activities is used for school safety and security activities is
unknown. unknown.
Title I-A of the ESEA authorizes federal aid to LEAs for the education of disadvantaged children. Title I-A of the ESEA authorizes federal aid to LEAs for the education of disadvantaged children.
Title I-A grants provide supplementary educational and related services to low-achieving and Title I-A grants provide supplementary educational and related services to low-achieving and
other students attending elementary and secondary schools with relatively high concentrations of other students attending elementary and secondary schools with relatively high concentrations of
students from low-income families. LEAs allocate Title I-A funds to the school level. Public students from low-income families. LEAs allocate Title I-A funds to the school level. Public
schools operate either schoolwide schools operate either schoolwide ~~programs76~~programs90 or targeted assistance programs (TAP). or targeted assistance programs (TAP).7791
Schoolwide programs are authorized if the percentage of low-income students served by a school Schoolwide programs are authorized if the percentage of low-income students served by a school
is 40% or higher.is 40% or higher.7892 In schoolwide programs, Title I-A funds may be used to improve the In schoolwide programs, Title I-A funds may be used to improve the
performance of all students in a school. Under TAP, Title I-A services are generally limited to the performance of all students in a school. Under TAP, Title I-A services are generally limited to the
lowest-achieving students in the school. lowest-achieving students in the school.
While Title I-A does not include a specific list of required or allowable uses of funds, statutory While Title I-A does not include a specific list of required or allowable uses of funds, statutory
language does specifically mention the use of Title I-A funds for activities related to school language does specifically mention the use of Title I-A funds for activities related to school
safety. Under schoolwide programs, statutory provisions require a school’s schoolwide plan to safety. Under schoolwide programs, statutory provisions require a school’s schoolwide plan to
include a description of the strategies the school will implement to address school needs, include a description of the strategies the school will implement to address school needs,
including addressing the needs of all students through activities that may include counseling, including addressing the needs of all students through activities that may include counseling,

~~75 While research suggests that individuals with mental health issues are not necessarily more likely to commit violent~~
~~acts than other individuals, mental health services (including a variety of social-emotional and behavioral health~~
~~interventions) are often included as part of prevention, intermediation, and recovery activities pertaining to school~~
~~safety. Therefore, programs that include school-based mental health services but may not explicitly mention “school~~
~~safety and security” are included in this section. Most federally supported mental health programs that are administered~~
~~in community-based settings—and do not explicitly address school safety and security—are not included in this report.~~
~~76 Schoolwide programs are authorized under ESEA, Section 1114.~~
~~77 Targeted assistance programs are authorized under ESEA, Section 1115.~~
~~78 A Title I-A school in which less than 40% of the children are from low-income families may request a waiver from~~
~~the SEA to operate a schoolwide program.~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

19

~~Federal Support for School Safety and Security~~

school-based mental health programs, mentoring services, and a schoolwide tiered model to school-based mental health programs, mentoring services, and a schoolwide tiered model to
prevent and address problem behavior. Under TAP, each school must use methods and prevent and address problem behavior. Under TAP, each school must use methods and
instructional strategies to strengthen the school’s academic program through activities that may instructional strategies to strengthen the school’s academic program through activities that may
include mental health services, other social services, or a schoolwide system of interventions and include mental health services, other social services, or a schoolwide system of interventions and
supports to prevent and address problem behavior. It may be possible for schools to use Title I-A supports to prevent and address problem behavior. It may be possible for schools to use Title I-A
funds for other school safety-related purposes if they are related to improving student academic funds for other school safety-related purposes if they are related to improving student academic
achievement. Both schoolwide programs and TAP may support programs developed in achievement. Both schoolwide programs and TAP may support programs developed in
coordination with, as well as integration with, other federal, state, and local services, resources, coordination with, as well as integration with, other federal, state, and local services, resources,
and programs, including violence prevention programs. and programs, including violence prevention programs.
For more information, see CRS Report R45977, For more information, see CRS Report R45977, The Elementary and Secondary Education Act
(ESEA), as Amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA): A Primer. .
90 Schoolwide programs are authorized under ESEA, Section 1114. 91 Targeted assistance programs are authorized under ESEA, Section 1115. 92 A Title I-A school in which less than 40% of the children are from low-income families may request a waiver from the SEA to operate a schoolwide program. Congressional Research Service 21 Federal Support for School Safety and Security Supporting Effective Instruction
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
ED, OESE, OSS ED, OESE, OSS
$2.2 bil ion $2.2 bil ion
Authorizing Legislation
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
ESEA, Title II-A, §2103 ESEA, Title II-A, §2103
At the discretion of the state or LEA, funds may be At the discretion of the state or LEA, funds may be
used to train educators and other personnel in used to train educators and other personnel in
children’s mental health and school safety. The exact children’s mental health and school safety. The exact
amount used for school safety and security activities is amount used for school safety and security activities is
unknown. unknown.
Supporting Effective Instruction grants provide funds to states and LEAs to support programs Supporting Effective Instruction grants provide funds to states and LEAs to support programs
aimed at improving the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other school leaders, aimed at improving the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other school leaders,
with the goal of increasing student achievement. Among numerous possible uses of funds, these with the goal of increasing student achievement. Among numerous possible uses of funds, these
grants may be used to develop programs or provide in-service training for educators and other grants may be used to develop programs or provide in-service training for educators and other
school personnel on school personnel on
 recognizing and preventing child sexual abuse;  recognizing and preventing child sexual abuse;
 using multitier systems of support such as PBIS;  using multitier systems of support such as PBIS;
 understanding when and how to refer students affected by trauma and children  understanding when and how to refer students affected by trauma and children
with, or at risk of, mental illness to appropriate treatment and intervention with, or at risk of, mental illness to appropriate treatment and intervention
services in the school and in the community; services in the school and in the community;
 forming partnerships between school-based mental health programs and public or  forming partnerships between school-based mental health programs and public or
private mental health organizations; and private mental health organizations; and
 addressing issues related to school conditions for student learning, such as safety,  addressing issues related to school conditions for student learning, such as safety,
peer interaction, drug and alcohol abuse, and chronic absenteeism. peer interaction, drug and alcohol abuse, and chronic absenteeism.7993
Historically, LEAs have used the majority of their ESEA Title II-A Historically, LEAs have used the majority of their ESEA Title II-A ~~funds80~~funds94 to support class size to support class size
reduction and teachers’ professional development.reduction and teachers’ professional development.81

~~79 20 U.S.C. §6613, P.L. 114-95 §2103.~~
~~80 Reauthorization of the ESEA as the Every Student Succeeds Act (P.L. 114-95), in December 2015, revised Title II-A~~
~~and changed the name of the program to Supporting Effective Instruction, but its general purpose remained the same.~~
~~81 ED, Findings From the 2014–15 Survey on the Use of Funds under Title II, Part A, Washington, DC, July 2015,~~
~~https://www2.ed.gov/programs/teacherqual/learport.pdf.~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

20

~~Federal Support for School Safety and Security~~
95
Preparedness Grants
Federal Agency
Appropriations (FY2022)
DHS DHS
Urban Area Security Initiative ($615 mil ion), Urban Area Security Initiative ($615 mil ion),
State Homeland Security Grant Program ($425 mil ion), State Homeland Security Grant Program ($425 mil ion),
Authorizing Legislation
Emergency Management Performance Grant Program Emergency Management Performance Grant Program
Homeland Security Act (P.L. 107-296), Homeland Security Act (P.L. 107-296), ~~§§2003-2004~~
($355 mil ion) ($355 mil ion)
§§2003-2004 Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
As determined by state, territorial, and tribal As determined by state, territorial, and tribal
governments. The exact amount used for school safety governments. The exact amount used for school safety
and security activities is unknown. and security activities is unknown.
FEMA administers a number of grants that “provide state and local governments with FEMA administers a number of grants that “provide state and local governments with
preparedness program funding in the form of non-disaster grants to enhance the capacity of state preparedness program funding in the form of non-disaster grants to enhance the capacity of state
93 20 U.S.C. §6613, P.L. 114-95 §2103. 94 Reauthorization of the ESEA as the Every Student Succeeds Act (P.L. 114-95), in December 2015, revised Title II-A and changed the name of the program to Supporting Effective Instruction, but its general purpose remained the same. 95 ED, Findings From the 2014–15 Survey on the Use of Funds under Title II, Part A, Washington, DC, July 2015, https://www2.ed.gov/programs/teacherqual/learport.pdf. Congressional Research Service 22 Federal Support for School Safety and Security and local emergency responders to prevent, respond to, and recover from a weapons of mass and local emergency responders to prevent, respond to, and recover from a weapons of mass
destruction terrorism incident involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive destruction terrorism incident involving chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, explosive
devices, and cyber-attacks.”devices, and cyber-attacks.”8296 Three of these programs may be used for public school safety and Three of these programs may be used for public school safety and
security if the state, territory, or tribal government awarded the grant determines that public security if the state, territory, or tribal government awarded the grant determines that public
school safety and security is a homeland security priority. These programs include the Urban Area school safety and security is a homeland security priority. These programs include the Urban Area
Security Initiative (UASI), the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP), and the Security Initiative (UASI), the State Homeland Security Grant Program (SHSGP), and the
Emergency Management Performance Grant Program (EMPG). Emergency Management Performance Grant Program (EMPG).
Urban Area Security Initiative (UASI)
The UASI helps high-threat, high-density urban areas to build and sustain the capabilities The UASI helps high-threat, high-density urban areas to build and sustain the capabilities
necessary to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks, necessary to prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from terrorist attacks,
which may include public school security activities. UASI recipients are determined annually by which may include public school security activities. UASI recipients are determined annually by
DHS and are based on the top 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) as determined by the DHS and are based on the top 100 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSA) as determined by the
U.S. Census Bureau. Annually, a limited number of high-risk and high-threat MSAs receive U.S. Census Bureau. Annually, a limited number of high-risk and high-threat MSAs receive
funding. Federal UASI investments are based on UASI recipients’ THIRAs. funding. Federal UASI investments are based on UASI recipients’ THIRAs.
State Homeland Security Grant Program
The SHSGP assists state, territorial, tribal, and local governments with addressing high-priority The SHSGP assists state, territorial, tribal, and local governments with addressing high-priority
preparedness gaps related to potential acts of terrorism.preparedness gaps related to potential acts of terrorism.8397 Communities develop capabilities to Communities develop capabilities to
prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from threats and hazards that pose the prevent, protect against, mitigate, respond to, and recover from threats and hazards that pose the
greatest terrorism risk, and this may include threats to schools.greatest terrorism risk, and this may include threats to schools.8498 All SHSGP grants are based on All SHSGP grants are based on
preparedness capability gaps identified during DHS’s Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk preparedness capability gaps identified during DHS’s Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk
Assessment (THIRA) process and assessed in the Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR).Assessment (THIRA) process and assessed in the Stakeholder Preparedness Review (SPR).8599
THIRA is a three-step risk assessment process that assists individuals, businesses, faith-based THIRA is a three-step risk assessment process that assists individuals, businesses, faith-based
organizations, nonprofit groups, schools and academia, and all levels of government in organizations, nonprofit groups, schools and academia, and all levels of government in
understanding their threats and hazards, and the capabilities required to manage their risk.understanding their threats and hazards, and the capabilities required to manage their risk.~~86 SPR~~

82100 SPR is a self-assessment of a jurisdiction’s current capability levels evaluated against the capability targets established in its THIRA.101 Emergency Management Performance Grant Program (EMPG) The EMPG program provides federal funds to states to assist state, local, territorial, and tribal governments in preparing for all hazards, including human-caused disasters. These funds support the development of an emergency preparedness system for the protection of life and property in the United States from hazards and to vest responsibility for emergency preparedness jointly in 96 See DHS, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), https://www.fema.gov/preparedness-non-disaster- See DHS, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), https://www.fema.gov/preparedness-non-disaster-
grants. grants.
8397 For more information on national preparedness and response, see CRS Report R46696, For more information on national preparedness and response, see CRS Report R46696, National Preparedness: A
Summary and Select Issues. .
8498 DHS, “National Preparedness Goal,” website, accessed June 2021, https://www.fema.gov/national-preparedness- DHS, “National Preparedness Goal,” website, accessed June 2021, https://www.fema.gov/national-preparedness-
goal. goal.
8599 Ibid. See also https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/risk-capability-assessment. Ibid. See also https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/risk-capability-assessment.
86100 DHS, FEMA, “Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment,” website, accessed June 2021, DHS, FEMA, “Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment,” website, accessed June 2021,
~~Congressional Research Service~~

21

~~Federal Support for School Safety and Security~~

~~is a self-assessment of a jurisdiction’s current capability levels evaluated against the capability~~
~~targets established in its THIRA.87~~
~~Emergency Management Performance Grant Program (EMPG)~~
~~The EMPG program provides federal funds to states to assist state, local, territorial, and tribal~~
~~governments in preparing for all hazards, including human-caused disasters. These funds support~~
~~the development of an emergency preparedness system for the protection of life and property in~~
~~the United States from hazards and to vest responsibility for emergency preparedness jointly in~~
http://www.fema.gov/threat-and-hazard-identification-and-risk-assessment. 101 DHS, FEMA, “Risk Capability Assessment,” website, accessed June 2021, https://www.fema.gov/emergency-managers/risk-management/risk-capability-assessment. Congressional Research Service 23 Federal Support for School Safety and Security the federal government, states, and their political subdivisions.the federal government, states, and their political subdivisions.88102 School security is part of School security is part of
protection of life and property. protection of life and property.
Community Mental Health Services Block Grant (MHBG)
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
HHS, SAMHSA HHS, SAMHSA
$857.6 mil ion $857.6 mil ion
Authorizing Legislation
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
PHSA, Title XIX-B, Subpart I PHSA, Title XIX-B, Subpart I
The MHBG supports community mental health services The MHBG supports community mental health services
for adults with serious mental il ness and children with for adults with serious mental il ness and children with
serious emotional disturbance. States have flexibility in serious emotional disturbance. States have flexibility in
the use of MHBG funds within the framework of the the use of MHBG funds within the framework of the
state plan and federal requirements. Most services are state plan and federal requirements. Most services are
community-based, though schools may be a service community-based, though schools may be a service
location. location.
The MHBG supports community mental health services for adults with serious mental illness The MHBG supports community mental health services for adults with serious mental illness
(SMI) and children with serious emotional disturbance (SED). SAMHSA distributes MHBG (SMI) and children with serious emotional disturbance (SED). SAMHSA distributes MHBG
funds to states (including the District of Columbia and specified funds to states (including the District of Columbia and specified ~~territories89~~territories103) according to a ) according to a
formula specified in statute. Each state may distribute MHBG funds to local government entities formula specified in statute. Each state may distribute MHBG funds to local government entities
and nongovernmental organizations to provide community mental health services for adults with and nongovernmental organizations to provide community mental health services for adults with
SMI and children with SED in accordance with the state’s plan. States have flexibility in the use SMI and children with SED in accordance with the state’s plan. States have flexibility in the use
of MHBG funds within the framework of the state plan and federal requirements. While use of of MHBG funds within the framework of the state plan and federal requirements. While use of
funds is generally determined by the states, each state must expend at least 10% of its block grant funds is generally determined by the states, each state must expend at least 10% of its block grant
funds each fiscal year (or at least 20% by the end of the succeeding fiscal year) to support funds each fiscal year (or at least 20% by the end of the succeeding fiscal year) to support
evidence-based programs to address early SMI. Most services are community-based, though evidence-based programs to address early SMI. Most services are community-based, though
schools may be a service location.schools may be a service location.90

~~http://www.fema.gov/threat-and-hazard-identification-and-risk-assessment.~~
~~87 DHS, FEMA, “Risk Capability Assessment,” website, accessed June 2021, https://www.fema.gov/emergency-~~
~~managers/risk-management/risk-capability-assessment.~~
~~88 DHS, FEMA, “Emergency Management Performance Grants Program,” website, accessed June 2021,~~
~~https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/emergency-management-performance.~~
~~89 Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, the Marshall~~
~~Islands, and Micronesia. See 42 C.F.R. §300x-64(b)(3).~~
~~90 For more information on the MHBG, see CRS Report R46426,~~ ~~Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services~~
~~Administration (SAMHSA): Overview of the Agency and Major Programs~~.
~~Congressional Research Service~~

22

~~Federal Support for School Safety and Security~~
104
The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
DOJ, OJP, BJA DOJ, OJP, BJA
$381.9 mil ion $381.9 mil ion
Authorizing Legislation
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
The Violence Against Women and Department of The Violence Against Women and Department of
JAG grant recipients may use their funding for school JAG grant recipients may use their funding for school
Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-162), Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-162),
safety initiatives, but they are not required to do so. safety initiatives, but they are not required to do so.
§1111 §1111
The exact amount used for school safety and security The exact amount used for school safety and security
activities is unknown. activities is unknown.
JAG is a formula grant program that provides funding to state, local, and tribal governments for a JAG is a formula grant program that provides funding to state, local, and tribal governments for a
variety of criminal justice initiatives. Grant recipients can use their JAG funds for technical variety of criminal justice initiatives. Grant recipients can use their JAG funds for technical
assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and criminal justice assistance, training, personnel, equipment, supplies, contractual support, and criminal justice
information systems related to JAG’s program purpose areas.information systems related to JAG’s program purpose areas.91105 102 DHS, FEMA, “Emergency Management Performance Grants Program,” website, accessed June 2021, https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/emergency-management-performance. 103 Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Micronesia. See 42 C.F.R. §300x-64(b)(3). 104 For more information on the MHBG, see CRS Report R46426, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Overview of the Agency and Major Programs. 105 JAG’s program areas are enumerated at 34 U.S.C. §10152(a)(1). Congressional Research Service 24 Federal Support for School Safety and Security
JAG’s broad program purpose areas are intended to give grantees flexibility in using grant funds JAG’s broad program purpose areas are intended to give grantees flexibility in using grant funds
to address local needs. As such, grant recipients may use their funding for school safety to address local needs. As such, grant recipients may use their funding for school safety
initiatives, but they are not required to do so. According to BJA, states can subaward JAG funds initiatives, but they are not required to do so. According to BJA, states can subaward JAG funds
to public or private schools as long as their intended program falls within one of JAG’s program to public or private schools as long as their intended program falls within one of JAG’s program
purpose areas.purpose areas.92106
For more information, see CRS In Focus IF10691, For more information, see CRS In Focus IF10691, The Edward Byrne Memorial Justice
Assistance Grant (JAG) Program. .
Community Support for School Success
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
ED, OESE ED, OESE
Promise Neighborhoods: $85.0 mil ion Promise Neighborhoods: $85.0 mil ion
Ful -Service Community Schools: $75.0 mil ion Ful -Service Community Schools: $75.0 mil ion
Authorizing Legislation
ESEA, Title IV-F-2, §§4624, 4625 ESEA, Title IV-F-2, §§4624, 4625
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
As determined by grantees (states, LEAs, IHEs, Indian As determined by grantees (states, LEAs, IHEs, Indian
tribes, tribal organizations, and nonprofit organizations) tribes, tribal organizations, and nonprofit organizations)
who must provide who must provide pipeline services, which may include , which may include
mental health services and supports. The exact amount mental health services and supports. The exact amount
used for school safety and security activities is used for school safety and security activities is
unknown. unknown.
The Community Support for School Success subpart (Title IV-F-2 of the ESEA) authorizes both The Community Support for School Success subpart (Title IV-F-2 of the ESEA) authorizes both
the Promise Neighborhoods and the Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) programs. Both the Promise Neighborhoods and the Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS) programs. Both
programs are designed to provide programs are designed to provide pipeline services, defined as “a continuum of coordinated , defined as “a continuum of coordinated
supports, services, and opportunities for children from birth through entry into and success in supports, services, and opportunities for children from birth through entry into and success in
postsecondary education, and career attainment.”postsecondary education, and career attainment.”93107 Pipeline services are designed to address the Pipeline services are designed to address the
needs of children and youth in the communities served, and may include services such as family needs of children and youth in the communities served, and may include services such as family
and community engagement and support, workforce readiness activities, and mental health and community engagement and support, workforce readiness activities, and mental health
services and supports. services and supports.

~~91 JAG’s program areas are enumerated at 34 U.S.C. §10152(a)(1).~~
~~92 DOJ, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance,~~ ~~Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant~~
~~(JAG) Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), updated May 2021, p. 6, https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/~~
~~xyckuh186/files/media/document/jag-faqs.pdf.~~
~~93 20 U.S.C. §7272(3), P.L. 114-95 §4622(3).~~
~~Congressional Research Service~~

23

~~Federal Support for School Safety and Security~~

Promise Neighborhoods
The Promise Neighborhoods program is designed to provide pipeline services in neighborhoods The Promise Neighborhoods program is designed to provide pipeline services in neighborhoods
with high concentrations of low-income individuals and multiple signs of distress (e.g., high rates with high concentrations of low-income individuals and multiple signs of distress (e.g., high rates
of poverty, academic failure, and juvenile delinquency), and in schools implementing of poverty, academic failure, and juvenile delinquency), and in schools implementing
comprehensive or targeted support and improvement activities under Title I-A. Among other comprehensive or targeted support and improvement activities under Title I-A. Among other
requirements, pipeline services must include strategies to address, through services or programs, requirements, pipeline services must include strategies to address, through services or programs,
mental health services and supports. mental health services and supports.
Full-Service Community Schools (FSCS)
The FSCS program provides grants to public elementary and secondary schools to participate in a The FSCS program provides grants to public elementary and secondary schools to participate in a
community-based effort to coordinate and integrate educational, developmental, family, health, community-based effort to coordinate and integrate educational, developmental, family, health,
and other comprehensive services through community-based organizations and public and private and other comprehensive services through community-based organizations and public and private
partnerships. Access to such services is provided in schools to students, families, and the partnerships. Access to such services is provided in schools to students, families, and the
community. Similar to Promise Neighborhoods, FSCS must also provide pipeline services, which community. Similar to Promise Neighborhoods, FSCS must also provide pipeline services, which
106 DOJ, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance, Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), updated May 2021, p. 6, https://bja.ojp.gov/sites/g/files/xyckuh186/files/media/document/jag-faqs.pdf. 107 20 U.S.C. §7272(3), P.L. 114-95 §4622(3). Congressional Research Service 25 Federal Support for School Safety and Security must include strategies to address mental health services and supports. Each FSCS must have a must include strategies to address mental health services and supports. Each FSCS must have a
plan that describes a needs assessment that identifies academic, physical, nonacademic, health, plan that describes a needs assessment that identifies academic, physical, nonacademic, health,
mental health, and other needs of students, families, and community members. Each FSCS must mental health, and other needs of students, families, and community members. Each FSCS must
also have a full-time coordinator to coordinate the delivery of pipeline services. also have a full-time coordinator to coordinate the delivery of pipeline services.
For more information, see CRS In Focus IF11196, For more information, see CRS In Focus IF11196, ESEA: The Promise Neighborhoods and Full-
Service Community Schools Programs. .
Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Hiring Program
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
DOJ, COPS DOJ, COPS
$156.5 mil ion $156.5 mil ion
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
Authorizing Legislation
COPS hiring grants may be used to hire law COPS hiring grants may be used to hire law
Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of
enforcement officers to serve as SROs. The exact enforcement officers to serve as SROs. The exact
1994 (P.L. 103-322), as amended, Title I, §10003 1994 (P.L. 103-322), as amended, Title I, §10003
amount used for school safety and security activities is amount used for school safety and security activities is
unknown. unknown.
The COPS hiring program provides grants to state, local, and tribal governments with primary The COPS hiring program provides grants to state, local, and tribal governments with primary
law enforcement responsibilities to hire new or former law enforcement officers for entry-level law enforcement responsibilities to hire new or former law enforcement officers for entry-level
positions (e.g., patrol officers, sheriff’s deputies).positions (e.g., patrol officers, sheriff’s deputies).94108 COPS hiring grants can be used to hire law COPS hiring grants can be used to hire law
enforcement officers to serve as SROs (though there is no data on how frequently COPS grants enforcement officers to serve as SROs (though there is no data on how frequently COPS grants
are used for this purpose). Applicants who want to hire SROs are required to submit a are used for this purpose). Applicants who want to hire SROs are required to submit a
memorandum of understanding between the law enforcement agency and the partner school that memorandum of understanding between the law enforcement agency and the partner school that
outlines the “roles, responsibilities, and expectations of the individuals and partners involved outlines the “roles, responsibilities, and expectations of the individuals and partners involved
including SROs, school officials, law enforcement, education departments, students, and including SROs, school officials, law enforcement, education departments, students, and
parents.”parents.”95109 The COPS Office also requires SROs hired with grant funds to complete a 40-hour The COPS Office also requires SROs hired with grant funds to complete a 40-hour
SRO basic training course from a list of providers approved by the COPS Office.SRO basic training course from a list of providers approved by the COPS Office.96
110 For more information, see CRS In Focus IF10922, Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Program.
94108 For more information on the COPS program, see CRS In Focus IF10922, For more information on the COPS program, see CRS In Focus IF10922, Community Oriented Policing Services
(COPS) Program. .
95109 DOJ, Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office, DOJ, Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office, School Resource Officer Memorandum of
Understanding, p. 1, https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2022ProgramDocs/chp/FY22_SRO_MOU_v1_508.pdf. , p. 1, https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2022ProgramDocs/chp/FY22_SRO_MOU_v1_508.pdf.
96110 DOJ, COPS Office, DOJ, COPS Office, Pre-Award Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for FY 2022 COPS Hiring Program (CHP), p. 7, , p. 7,
https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2022ProgramDocs/chp/faq.pdf. https://cops.usdoj.gov/pdf/2022ProgramDocs/chp/faq.pdf.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

2426

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

~~For more information, see CRS In Focus IF10922,~~ ~~Community Oriented Policing Services~~
~~(COPS) Program~~.
Children’s Mental Health Initiative (CMHI)
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
HHS, SAMHSA HHS, SAMHSA
$125 mil ion $125 mil ion
Authorizing Legislation
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
PHSA, §§561-565. PHSA, §§561-565.
CMHI grants support a wide variety of activities, CMHI grants support a wide variety of activities,
including caregiver and family support, legal advocacy, including caregiver and family support, legal advocacy,
tutoring and mentoring, vocational skil s training, case tutoring and mentoring, vocational skil s training, case
management, medical care, diagnostic and therapeutic management, medical care, diagnostic and therapeutic
services, individual and family therapy, diversion and services, individual and family therapy, diversion and
prevention services, and special education classes, prevention services, and special education classes,
among others. Most services are community-based, among others. Most services are community-based,
though schools are a common service location. The though schools are a common service location. The
Systems of Care portion of CMHI focuses exclusively Systems of Care portion of CMHI focuses exclusively
on children’s mental health. on children’s mental health.
Created in 1992, SAMHSA’s Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children Created in 1992, SAMHSA’s Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children
with Serious Emotional Disturbances Program—known as the Children’s Mental Health Initiative with Serious Emotional Disturbances Program—known as the Children’s Mental Health Initiative
(CMHI)—serves children with SED.(CMHI)—serves children with SED.97111 The program does this by supporting The program does this by supporting Systems of Care for for
children with emotional disturbances and their families. Systems of Care is a strategic approach children with emotional disturbances and their families. Systems of Care is a strategic approach
to the delivery of services that incorporates family-driven, strengths-based, and culturally to the delivery of services that incorporates family-driven, strengths-based, and culturally
competent care to meet the physical, intellectual, emotional, cultural, and social needs of children competent care to meet the physical, intellectual, emotional, cultural, and social needs of children
and youth. Systems of Care is designed to promote partnerships across child-serving agencies that and youth. Systems of Care is designed to promote partnerships across child-serving agencies that
care for children with SED. The care for children with SED. The Systems of Care Expansion and Sustainability grants assist states, grants assist states,
local governments, tribes, and territories in their efforts to deliver or facilitate access to local governments, tribes, and territories in their efforts to deliver or facilitate access to
community-based or school-based mental health services. Most services are community-based, community-based or school-based mental health services. Most services are community-based,
though schools are a common location for services.though schools are a common location for services.98112 Since 2018, there has been a 10% set-aside Since 2018, there has been a 10% set-aside
for efforts to address youth at high clinical risk for psychosis (known as the for efforts to address youth at high clinical risk for psychosis (known as the prodrome phase). In ). In
FY2021, SAMHSA awarded 12 new grants and supported 63 continuation grantsFY2021, SAMHSA awarded 12 new grants and supported 63 continuation grants, and a technical and a technical
assistance center.assistance center.99113

97111 Children with serious emotional disturbance are defined as “persons [f]rom birth up to age 18, [w]ho currently or at are defined as “persons [f]rom birth up to age 18, [w]ho currently or at
any time during the past year, [h]ave had a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder of sufficient duration any time during the past year, [h]ave had a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder of sufficient duration
to meet diagnostic criteria ... [t]hat resulted in functional impairment which substantially interferes with or limits the to meet diagnostic criteria ... [t]hat resulted in functional impairment which substantially interferes with or limits the
child’s role or functioning in family, school, or community activities” according to 58 child’s role or functioning in family, school, or community activities” according to 58 Federal Register 29422, May 20, 29422, May 20,
1993. 1993.
98112 HHS, SAMHSA, Center for Mental Health Services, HHS, SAMHSA, Center for Mental Health Services, The Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for
Children with Serious Emotional Disturbances Program, Report to Congress 2016, PEP18-CMHI2016, 2016, , Report to Congress 2016, PEP18-CMHI2016, 2016,
https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/pep18-cmhi2016.pdf. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/d7/priv/pep18-cmhi2016.pdf.
99113 HHS, SAMHSA, HHS, SAMHSA, Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees for FY2023, http://www.hhs.gov/budget. , http://www.hhs.gov/budget.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

2527

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

Education of Homeless Children and Youth
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
ED, OESE, OSHS ED, OESE, OSHS
$114.0 mil ion $114.0 mil ion
Authorizing Legislation
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Title VII-B McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, Title VII-B
Title VII-B requires SEAs to provide competitive Title VII-B requires SEAs to provide competitive
subgrants to LEAs to facilitate school enrol ment, subgrants to LEAs to facilitate school enrol ment,
attendance, and success for homeless children and attendance, and success for homeless children and
youth. In certain circumstances, these funds may be youth. In certain circumstances, these funds may be
used to provide school-based mental health services, used to provide school-based mental health services,
violence prevention counseling, or other social services. violence prevention counseling, or other social services.
The exact amount used for school safety and security The exact amount used for school safety and security
activities is unknown. activities is unknown.
Title VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Act authorizes the Education for Homeless Children and Title VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Act authorizes the Education for Homeless Children and
Youth program, which is administered by ED and provides funds to SEAs to ensure all homeless Youth program, which is administered by ED and provides funds to SEAs to ensure all homeless
children and youth have equal access to public education. Grants made by SEAs to LEAs under children and youth have equal access to public education. Grants made by SEAs to LEAs under
this program must be used to facilitate the enrollment, attendance, transportation to school, and this program must be used to facilitate the enrollment, attendance, transportation to school, and
success in school of homeless youth. Funds may be used for services such as tutoring; success in school of homeless youth. Funds may be used for services such as tutoring;
supplemental instruction; specialized instructional support services (including violence supplemental instruction; specialized instructional support services (including violence
prevention counseling); health services and referrals for medical, dental, mental, and other health prevention counseling); health services and referrals for medical, dental, mental, and other health
services; and activities to address the particular needs of homeless children and youth that may services; and activities to address the particular needs of homeless children and youth that may
arise from domestic violence and parental mental health or substance abuse problems. During arise from domestic violence and parental mental health or substance abuse problems. During
school year 2016-2017, more than 1.3 million homeless children and youth were eligible for school year 2016-2017, more than 1.3 million homeless children and youth were eligible for
services. This included more than 118,000 unaccompanied youth. services. This included more than 118,000 unaccompanied youth.
For more information, see CRS In Focus IF11152, For more information, see CRS In Focus IF11152, Federal Support for Runaway and Homeless
Youth. .
National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative (NCTSI)
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
HHS, SAMHSA HHS, SAMHSA
$81.9 mil ion $81.9 mil ion
Authorizing Legislation
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
PHSA, §582 PHSA, §582
The NCTSI supports a network of members in The NCTSI supports a network of members in
developing and promoting effective community developing and promoting effective community
practices for children and adolescents exposed to a practices for children and adolescents exposed to a
wide array of traumatic events. Most of the service wide array of traumatic events. Most of the service
providers are community-based, though many grantees providers are community-based, though many grantees
partner with local schools and LEAs to train educators partner with local schools and LEAs to train educators
and staff. Some community treatment grantees also and staff. Some community treatment grantees also
provide services in school settings. The exact amount provide services in school settings. The exact amount
used for school-related activities is unknown. used for school-related activities is unknown.
Established in 2000, the NCTSI aims to improve behavioral health services and interventions for Established in 2000, the NCTSI aims to improve behavioral health services and interventions for
children and adolescents exposed to traumatic events. Through the NCTSI, SAMHSA provides children and adolescents exposed to traumatic events. Through the NCTSI, SAMHSA provides
grants, education and training, technical support, data collection, evaluation services, and grants, education and training, technical support, data collection, evaluation services, and
information on evidence-based interventions for trauma care for use in mental health clinics, information on evidence-based interventions for trauma care for use in mental health clinics,
schools, or child welfare or juvenile justice settings. schools, or child welfare or juvenile justice settings.
SAMHSA provides funding for a national network of grantees knowns as the National Child SAMHSA provides funding for a national network of grantees knowns as the National Child
Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). Funding supports the NCTSN members in developing and Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN). Funding supports the NCTSN members in developing and
promoting effective community practices for children and adolescents exposed to traumatic promoting effective community practices for children and adolescents exposed to traumatic
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

2628

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

events. A component of this work has been the development of resources and delivery of training events. A component of this work has been the development of resources and delivery of training
and consultation to support the development of trauma-informed child-serving systems. and consultation to support the development of trauma-informed child-serving systems.
While most of the service providers are community-based, many service center grantees partner While most of the service providers are community-based, many service center grantees partner
with local schools and school systems to provide training to educators and school staff. with local schools and school systems to provide training to educators and school staff.
Additionally, some community treatment grantees provide services in school settings such as Additionally, some community treatment grantees provide services in school settings such as
school-based mental health programs.school-based mental health programs.~~100~~114 In FY2021, SAMHSA awarded a new cohort of 106 In FY2021, SAMHSA awarded a new cohort of 106
grants (including seven new grants from the COVID Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act and grants (including seven new grants from the COVID Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act and
two grants from the American Rescue Plan Act). SAMHSA also supported 34 continuation grants two grants from the American Rescue Plan Act). SAMHSA also supported 34 continuation grants
in FY2021.in FY2021.~~101~~115
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, Part B, State Formula Grants
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
DOJ, OJP, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency DOJ, OJP, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
$70 mil ion $70 mil ion
Prevention (OJJDP) Prevention (OJJDP)
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
Authorizing Legislation
States are authorized to use funding for a variety of States are authorized to use funding for a variety of
The Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-385) The Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-385)
juvenile justice related purposes, some of which might juvenile justice related purposes, some of which might
promote school safety and security. The exact amount promote school safety and security. The exact amount
used for school safety and security activities is used for school safety and security activities is
unknown. unknown.
Under this program, the OJJDP makes grants to states that can be used to fund the planning, Under this program, the OJJDP makes grants to states that can be used to fund the planning,
establishment, operation, coordination, and evaluation of juvenile delinquency programs and to establishment, operation, coordination, and evaluation of juvenile delinquency programs and to
improve juvenile justice systems. State formula grant funds are allocated annually based on each improve juvenile justice systems. State formula grant funds are allocated annually based on each
eligible state’s proportion of people under age 18.eligible state’s proportion of people under age 18.~~102~~116
Under the program, 75% of the funding a state receives must be used for juvenile justice-related Under the program, 75% of the funding a state receives must be used for juvenile justice-related
programs, which could include school safety and security, such as programs, which could include school safety and security, such as
 comprehensive juvenile justice and delinquency prevention programs that meet  comprehensive juvenile justice and delinquency prevention programs that meet
the needs of youth through the collaboration of the many local systems before the needs of youth through the collaboration of the many local systems before
which a youth may appear, including schools, courts, law enforcement agencies, which a youth may appear, including schools, courts, law enforcement agencies,
child protection agencies, mental health agencies, welfare services, health care child protection agencies, mental health agencies, welfare services, health care
agencies, and private nonprofit agencies offering youth services; agencies, and private nonprofit agencies offering youth services;
 education programs or supportive services in traditional public schools and  education programs or supportive services in traditional public schools and
detention/corrections education settings to encourage youth to remain in school, detention/corrections education settings to encourage youth to remain in school,
or alternative learning programs; or alternative learning programs;
 mental health services for youth in custody who are in need of such services;  mental health services for youth in custody who are in need of such services;
 programs that assist delinquent and at-risk youth in obtaining a sense of safety  programs that assist delinquent and at-risk youth in obtaining a sense of safety
and structure, belonging and membership, self-worth and social contribution, and structure, belonging and membership, self-worth and social contribution,

~~100~~114 For a list of grantees and a brief description of grant-funded programs and activities, see HHS, SAMHSA, For a list of grantees and a brief description of grant-funded programs and activities, see HHS, SAMHSA,
“Individual Grant Awards,” 2016, https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/awards/2016/SM-16-005. “Individual Grant Awards,” 2016, https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/awards/2016/SM-16-005.
~~101~~115 HHS, SAMHSA, HHS, SAMHSA, Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees for FY2023, http://www.hhs.gov/budget. , http://www.hhs.gov/budget.
~~102~~116 There are four core mandates with which, except for specified exceptions, states must generally comply: states must There are four core mandates with which, except for specified exceptions, states must generally comply: states must
keep status offenders (such as truants) out of secure detention or correctional facilities, states cannot detain or confine keep status offenders (such as truants) out of secure detention or correctional facilities, states cannot detain or confine
juveniles in facilities in which they would have contact with adult inmates, juveniles cannot be detained or confined in juveniles in facilities in which they would have contact with adult inmates, juveniles cannot be detained or confined in
any jail or lockup for adults, and states must show that they are working to address racial and ethnic disparities within any jail or lockup for adults, and states must show that they are working to address racial and ethnic disparities within
their juvenile justice systems. their juvenile justice systems.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

2729

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

independence and control over one’s life, and closeness in interpersonal independence and control over one’s life, and closeness in interpersonal
relationships; relationships;
 programs, research, or other initiatives primarily to address issues related to  programs, research, or other initiatives primarily to address issues related to
youth gang activity; and youth gang activity; and
 mentoring programs for at-risk youth, youth who have offended, or youth with a  mentoring programs for at-risk youth, youth who have offended, or youth with a
parent or legal guardian who is or was incarcerated. parent or legal guardian who is or was incarcerated.
For more information, see CRS Report R44879, For more information, see CRS Report R44879, Juvenile Justice Funding Trends. .
Prevention and Intervention Programs for Children and Youth Who Are
Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
ED, OESE ED, OESE
$48.2 mil ion $48.2 mil ion
Authorizing Legislation
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
ESEA, Title I-D, §1424 ESEA, Title I-D, §1424
LEAs may use funds for the coordination of health and LEAs may use funds for the coordination of health and
social services for eligible youth, if there is a likelihood social services for eligible youth, if there is a likelihood
that the provision of such services wil increase the that the provision of such services wil increase the
probability that they wil complete their education. The probability that they wil complete their education. The
exact amount used for school safety and security exact amount used for school safety and security
activities is unknown. activities is unknown.
Title I-D of the ESEA authorizes a pair of programs intended to improve education for students Title I-D of the ESEA authorizes a pair of programs intended to improve education for students
who are neglected, delinquent, or at risk of dropping out of school. Subpart 1 authorizes grants who are neglected, delinquent, or at risk of dropping out of school. Subpart 1 authorizes grants
for the education of children and youth in state institutions for the neglected or delinquent, for the education of children and youth in state institutions for the neglected or delinquent,
including community day programs and adult correctional institutions. Under Subpart 2, grants including community day programs and adult correctional institutions. Under Subpart 2, grants
are provided to LEAs with high numbers or percentages of children and youth in locally operated are provided to LEAs with high numbers or percentages of children and youth in locally operated
correctional facilities for children and youth, including public and private institutions and correctional facilities for children and youth, including public and private institutions and
community day programs or schools that serve delinquent children and youth. These children and community day programs or schools that serve delinquent children and youth. These children and
youth are then served in accordance with Title I-D provisions, which may include using Title I-D youth are then served in accordance with Title I-D provisions, which may include using Title I-D
funds for the coordination of health and social services, including mental health services, if there funds for the coordination of health and social services, including mental health services, if there
is a likelihood that the provision of such services will increase the probability that children and is a likelihood that the provision of such services will increase the probability that children and
youth served will complete their education. youth served will complete their education.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Youth Violence Prevention
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
HHS, CDC, National Center for Injury Prevention and HHS, CDC, National Center for Injury Prevention and
$15.1 mil ion $15.1 mil ion
Control, Division of Violence Prevention Control, Division of Violence Prevention
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
Authorizing Legislation
CDC Youth Violence Prevention initiatives include CDC Youth Violence Prevention initiatives include
Several authorities in PHSA Title III, including §301, Several authorities in PHSA Title III, including §301,
grants and cooperative agreements to schools, grants and cooperative agreements to schools,
§391, §392, §393. §391, §392, §393.
community organizations, and local health departments community organizations, and local health departments
to implement youth violence prevention strategies. The to implement youth violence prevention strategies. The
exact amount used for school safety and security exact amount used for school safety and security
activities is unknown. activities is unknown.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Injury Prevention and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Injury Prevention and
Control, Division of Violence Prevention, provides research, information, and strategies for Control, Division of Violence Prevention, provides research, information, and strategies for
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

2830

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

preventing bullying and school violence on its Youth Violence website. preventing bullying and school violence on its Youth Violence website.~~103~~117 It also supports youth It also supports youth
violence prevention related initiatives through cooperative agreements with universities, violence prevention related initiatives through cooperative agreements with universities,
community organizations, and local health departments implementing youth violence prevention community organizations, and local health departments implementing youth violence prevention
strategies in local communities. Current initiatives include the following: strategies in local communities. Current initiatives include the following:
 Preventing Violence Affecting Young Lives (PREVAYL)  Preventing Violence Affecting Young Lives (PREVAYL)~~,104~~;118
 STRYVE: Striving To Reduce Youth Violence Everywhere STRYVE: Striving To Reduce Youth Violence Everywhere~~,105~~;119 and and
 National Centers of Excellence in Youth Violence Prevention (YVPCs). National Centers of Excellence in Youth Violence Prevention (YVPCs).~~106~~120
Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Youth Suicide Prevention Campus Grants
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
HHS, SAMHSA HHS, SAMHSA
$6.5 mil ion $6.5 mil ion
Authorizing Legislation
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
PHSA, §520E-2 PHSA, §520E-2
The GLS Youth Suicide Prevention Campus Grants The GLS Youth Suicide Prevention Campus Grants
program provides funding to IHEs to prevent suicide. program provides funding to IHEs to prevent suicide.
Grantees can use funds for a variety of activities related Grantees can use funds for a variety of activities related
to suicide prevention, including enhancing behavioral to suicide prevention, including enhancing behavioral
health services on campus. health services on campus.
The GLS Youth Suicide Prevention Campus Grants program—authorized by the Garrett Lee The GLS Youth Suicide Prevention Campus Grants program—authorized by the Garrett Lee
Smith Memorial Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-355)—provides grants to IHEs, including tribal colleges Smith Memorial Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-355)—provides grants to IHEs, including tribal colleges
and universities, to prevent suicide and suicide attempts. The purpose of the program is to and universities, to prevent suicide and suicide attempts. The purpose of the program is to
support comprehensive, collaborative, and evidence-based approaches to (1) enhancing mental support comprehensive, collaborative, and evidence-based approaches to (1) enhancing mental
health services for all college students, including those at risk for suicide, SMI/SED, and/or health services for all college students, including those at risk for suicide, SMI/SED, and/or
substance use disorders; (2) prevent mental and substance use disorders; (3) promote help-seeking substance use disorders; (2) prevent mental and substance use disorders; (3) promote help-seeking
behavior; and (4) improve the identification and treatment of at-risk college students.behavior; and (4) improve the identification and treatment of at-risk college students.~~107~~121 As of As of
2020, the GLS Youth Suicide Prevention Campus Grants program has awarded 293 grants to 265 2020, the GLS Youth Suicide Prevention Campus Grants program has awarded 293 grants to 265
IHEs.IHEs.~~108~~122 In FY2021, SAMHSA awarded 25 new GLS Campus Grants and supported the In FY2021, SAMHSA awarded 25 new GLS Campus Grants and supported the
continuation of 38 GLS Campus Grants.continuation of 38 GLS Campus Grants.~~109~~123

~~103~~117 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of
Violence Prevention, “Youth Violence,” Violence Prevention, “Youth Violence,” page reviewed on April 14, 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/April 14, 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/
index.html. index.html.
~~104~~118 CDC, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Violence Prevention, “Preventing Violence CDC, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Violence Prevention, “Preventing Violence
Affecting Young Lives (PREVAYL),” Affecting Young Lives (PREVAYL),” page reviewed on August 19, 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/August 19, 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/
prevayl.html. prevayl.html.
~~105~~119 CDC, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Violence Prevention, “STRYVE: Striving To CDC, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Violence Prevention, “STRYVE: Striving To
Reduce Youth Violence Everywhere,” Reduce Youth Violence Everywhere,” page reviewed on February 25, 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/February 25, 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/
stryve/index.html. stryve/index.html.
~~106~~120 CDC, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Violence Prevention, “National Centers of CDC, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Division of Violence Prevention, “National Centers of
Excellence in Youth Violence Prevention (YVPCs),” Excellence in Youth Violence Prevention (YVPCs),” page reviewed on November 6, 2019, https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/November 6, 2019, https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/
youthviolence/yvpc/index.html. youthviolence/yvpc/index.html.
~~107~~121 HHS, SAMHSA, HHS, SAMHSA, GLS Campus Suicide Prevention Grant, Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), December , Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA), December
7, 2020, https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/SM-21-003. 7, 2020, https://www.samhsa.gov/grants/grant-announcements/SM-21-003.
~~108~~122 HHS, SAMHSA, HHS, SAMHSA, FY2021 Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees, https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/, https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/
default/files/about_us/budget/fy-2021-samhsa-cj.pdf. default/files/about_us/budget/fy-2021-samhsa-cj.pdf.
~~109~~123 HHS, SAMHSA, HHS, SAMHSA, Justification of Estimates for Appropriations Committees for FY2023, http://www.hhs.gov/budget. , http://www.hhs.gov/budget.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

2931

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, Title V, Incentive Grants for
Local Delinquency Prevention
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
DOJ, OJP, OJJDP DOJ, OJP, OJJDP
$1.5 mil ion $1.5 mil ion
Authorizing Legislation
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
The Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-385) The Juvenile Justice Reform Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-385)
Grants awarded by states to eligible entities can be Grants awarded by states to eligible entities can be
used for juvenile justice-related programs that might used for juvenile justice-related programs that might
promote school safety and security. The exact amount promote school safety and security. The exact amount
used for school safety and security activities is used for school safety and security activities is
unknown. unknown.
Under this program, OJJDP is authorized to make grants to states, which are then transmitted to Under this program, OJJDP is authorized to make grants to states, which are then transmitted to
units of local government or nonprofits in partnership with units of local government, to support units of local government or nonprofits in partnership with units of local government, to support
delinquency prevention programs for juveniles who have come into contact with, or are at risk for delinquency prevention programs for juveniles who have come into contact with, or are at risk for
contact with, the juvenile justice system. Grants under this program can be used to support, contact with, the juvenile justice system. Grants under this program can be used to support,
among other things, child and adolescent health and mental health services, youth mentoring among other things, child and adolescent health and mental health services, youth mentoring
programs, and after-school programs. programs, and after-school programs.
For more information, see CRS Report R44879, For more information, see CRS Report R44879, Juvenile Justice Funding Trends. .
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Grants
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
ED ED
This program has never received an appropriation. This program has never received an appropriation.
Authorizing Legislation
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
HEA, Title I-B, §120(e) HEA, Title I-B, §120(e)
All program funds would be used to make grants to All program funds would be used to make grants to
IHEs or consortia of IHEs, and enter into contracts IHEs or consortia of IHEs, and enter into contracts
with IHEs, consortia of IHEs, and other organizations to with IHEs, consortia of IHEs, and other organizations to
carry out a range of activities to reduce and eliminate carry out a range of activities to reduce and eliminate
the il egal use of drugs and alcohol and the violence the il egal use of drugs and alcohol and the violence
associated with such use. associated with such use.
HEA Section 120(e) authorizes the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Grants program. Under HEA Section 120(e) authorizes the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Grants program. Under
the program, ED is authorized to award grants, on a competitive basis, to IHEs or consortia of the program, ED is authorized to award grants, on a competitive basis, to IHEs or consortia of
IHEs, and to enter into contracts with IHEs, consortia of IHEs, or other organizations to “develop, IHEs, and to enter into contracts with IHEs, consortia of IHEs, or other organizations to “develop,
implement, operate, improve, and disseminate programs of prevention and education (including implement, operate, improve, and disseminate programs of prevention and education (including
treatment-referral) to reduce and eliminate the illegal use of drugs and alcohol and the violence treatment-referral) to reduce and eliminate the illegal use of drugs and alcohol and the violence
associated with such use.”associated with such use.”~~110~~124 Grants or contracts may also be used to support a higher education Grants or contracts may also be used to support a higher education
center for drug and alcohol abuse prevention to provide training, technical assistance, and other center for drug and alcohol abuse prevention to provide training, technical assistance, and other
services to the higher education community. services to the higher education community.
Appropriations for the program were authorized for FY2009 through FY2014 at “such sums as Appropriations for the program were authorized for FY2009 through FY2014 at “such sums as
may be necessary.”may be necessary.”~~111~~125 The program has never received an appropriation and, thus, has never been The program has never received an appropriation and, thus, has never been
implemented. implemented.

~~110~~124 HEA §120(e)(1). HEA §120(e)(1).
~~111~~125 Section 422 of the General Education Provisions Act automatically extended the authorization of appropriation for Section 422 of the General Education Provisions Act automatically extended the authorization of appropriation for
the program for an additional year (through FY2015). the program for an additional year (through FY2015).
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

3032

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

Non-grant Programs and Initiatives
CDC Surveillance and Support
CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) conducts public health surveillance of CDC’s Division of Adolescent and School Health (DASH) conducts public health surveillance of
school-aged children through their school-based surveillance branch. DASH works with school-aged children through their school-based surveillance branch. DASH works with
education agencies and youth-serving organizations to promote environments where youth can education agencies and youth-serving organizations to promote environments where youth can
gain fundamental health knowledge and skills and establish healthy behaviors. While DASH gain fundamental health knowledge and skills and establish healthy behaviors. While DASH
focuses on physical health, such as sexually transmitted infection and HIV prevention, it also focuses on physical health, such as sexually transmitted infection and HIV prevention, it also
identifies goals such as “establish[ing] safe environments where students feel connected to school identifies goals such as “establish[ing] safe environments where students feel connected to school
and supportive adults.”and supportive adults.”~~112~~126
DHS Infrastructure Security
Federal Agency
Appropriation (FY2022)
DHS, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency DHS, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
Activities funded through multiple DHS entities with no Activities funded through multiple DHS entities with no
(CISA) (CISA)
specific budget line item. specific budget line item.
Authorizing Legislation
Funds for School Safety/Security Initiatives
Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act
Activities are funded through multiple DHS entities Activities are funded through multiple DHS entities
of 2018 (P.L. 115-278) of 2018 (P.L. 115-278)
with no specific budget line item. The exact amount with no specific budget line item. The exact amount
used for school safety and security activities is used for school safety and security activities is
unknown. unknown.

Critical infrastructure describes the vital physical and cyber systems and assets for which describes the vital physical and cyber systems and assets for which
incapacity or destruction would have a debilitating impact on U.S. physical security, economic incapacity or destruction would have a debilitating impact on U.S. physical security, economic
security, public health, or public safety. DHS qualifies public schools as critical infrastructure by security, public health, or public safety. DHS qualifies public schools as critical infrastructure by
this definition. On November 16, 2018, Congress enacted the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure this definition. On November 16, 2018, Congress enacted the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure
Security Agency Act of 2018, which established CISA. CISA coordinates security and resilience Security Agency Act of 2018, which established CISA. CISA coordinates security and resilience
efforts using partnerships across the private and public sectors, and delivers technical assistance efforts using partnerships across the private and public sectors, and delivers technical assistance
and assessments to federal stakeholders, as well as to critical infrastructure owners and operators and assessments to federal stakeholders, as well as to critical infrastructure owners and operators
nationwide. Three CISA programs and activities that may assist with public school safety and nationwide. Three CISA programs and activities that may assist with public school safety and
security are (1) the Hometown Security Program, (2) Active Shooter Preparedness, and (3) DHS security are (1) the Hometown Security Program, (2) Active Shooter Preparedness, and (3) DHS
Protective Security Advisors.Protective Security Advisors.~~113~~127
Hometown Security Program
Through the Hometown Security Program, DHS utilizes outreach activities to develop Through the Hometown Security Program, DHS utilizes outreach activities to develop
partnerships between the private and public sectors to mitigate risks and enhance the security and partnerships between the private and public sectors to mitigate risks and enhance the security and
resilience of public sites and events. DHS provides counsel and recommendations about resilience of public sites and events. DHS provides counsel and recommendations about
protective measures that the private and public sectors can implement to protect venues and protective measures that the private and public sectors can implement to protect venues and
facilities, such as public schools.facilities, such as public schools.~~114~~128

~~112~~126 CDC, CDC, About the Division of Adolescent and School Health, CDC/DASH Home, https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/, CDC/DASH Home, https://www.cdc.gov/healthyyouth/
about/index.htm. about/index.htm.
~~113~~127 DHS, “Critical Infrastructure Security,” website, accessed June 2021, https://www.dhs.gov/topic/critical- DHS, “Critical Infrastructure Security,” website, accessed June 2021, https://www.dhs.gov/topic/critical-
infrastructure-security. infrastructure-security.
~~114~~128 DHS, “Hometown Security,” website, accessed June 2021, https://www.dhs.gov/cisa/hometown-security. DHS, “Hometown Security,” website, accessed June 2021, https://www.dhs.gov/cisa/hometown-security.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

3133

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

Active Shooter Preparedness
Through the Active Shooter Preparedness program, DHS provides products, tools, training, and Through the Active Shooter Preparedness program, DHS provides products, tools, training, and
resources to assist communities to prepare for and respond to an active shooter incident. resources to assist communities to prepare for and respond to an active shooter incident.
Resources are tailored to first responders, human resource or security professionals, private Resources are tailored to first responders, human resource or security professionals, private
citizens, and training participants.citizens, and training participants.~~115~~129
DHS Protective Security Advisors
DHS’s Office of Infrastructure Protection operates the Protective Security Advisor (PSA) DHS’s Office of Infrastructure Protection operates the Protective Security Advisor (PSA)
program. PSAs are critical infrastructure and vulnerability subject matter experts who coordinate program. PSAs are critical infrastructure and vulnerability subject matter experts who coordinate
and facilitate local activities to advise state, local, and private sector officials. The PSA program’s and facilitate local activities to advise state, local, and private sector officials. The PSA program’s
primary mission is to plan, coordinate, and conduct security risk assessments of nationally primary mission is to plan, coordinate, and conduct security risk assessments of nationally
significant critical infrastructure. PSAs also provide planning and outreach activities to significant critical infrastructure. PSAs also provide planning and outreach activities to
communities and community services, such as public schools.communities and community services, such as public schools.~~116~~130
Guidance on Mental Health Disclosures for Students
HEA Section 825 requires the Secretary of Education to provide guidance that clarifies the role of HEA Section 825 requires the Secretary of Education to provide guidance that clarifies the role of
IHEs regarding disclosure of education records. This includes the disclosure of education records IHEs regarding disclosure of education records. This includes the disclosure of education records
to a parent or legal guardian of a dependent student “in the event that such student poses a to a parent or legal guardian of a dependent student “in the event that such student poses a
significant risk of harm to himself or herself or to others, including a significant risk of suicide, significant risk of harm to himself or herself or to others, including a significant risk of suicide,
homicide, or assault.” homicide, or assault.”

~~115~~129 DHS, “Active Shooter Preparedness,” website, accessed June 2021, https://www.dhs.gov/cisa/active-shooter- DHS, “Active Shooter Preparedness,” website, accessed June 2021, https://www.dhs.gov/cisa/active-shooter-
preparedness. preparedness.
~~116~~130 DHS, “Protective Security Advisors,” website, accessed June 2021, https://www.dhs.gov/cisa/protective-security- DHS, “Protective Security Advisors,” website, accessed June 2021, https://www.dhs.gov/cisa/protective-security-
advisors. advisors.
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

32

~~link to page 46~~ 34
Appendix A. Federal School Safety and Security Programs
Table A-1. Federal Grant Programs that Support Safety and Security for Students in K-12 Public Schools and IHEs
(Listed in alphabetical order by agency) (Listed in alphabetical order by agency)
Brief Description of
Program
Authorizing Legislation
U.S. Code
Relevant Uses of Funds
Eligibility
Programs Administered by the U.S. Department of Education (ED)
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Higher Education Act (HEA), Higher Education Act (HEA),
20 U.S.C. §1011i(e) 20 U.S.C. §1011i(e)
Grants and contracts may be Grants and contracts may be
Competitive grants to Competitive grants to
Prevention Grants Prevention Grants
Title I-B, §120(e) Title I-B, §120(e)
used to develop and implement institutions of higher education used to develop and implement institutions of higher education
programs to reduce and programs to reduce and
(IHEs) and consortia of IHEs (IHEs) and consortia of IHEs
eliminate il egal drug and eliminate il egal drug and
and competitive contracts to and competitive contracts to
alcohol use and the violence alcohol use and the violence
IHEs, consortia of IHEs, and IHEs, consortia of IHEs, and
associated with such use. associated with such use.
other organizations. other organizations.
Community Support for School Elementary and Secondary Community Support for School Elementary and Secondary
20 U.S.C. §§7273-7275 20 U.S.C. §§7273-7275
Grantees must use funds to Grantees must use funds to
FSCS program: consortiums of FSCS program: consortiums of
Success Success
Education Act (ESEA), Title IV- Education Act (ESEA), Title IV-
provide provide pipeline services, ,
(1) one or more local (1) one or more local
 
F-2, §§4624, 4625 F-2, §§4624, 4625
meaning a continuum of meaning a continuum of
educational agencies (LEAs) or educational agencies (LEAs) or

Ful -Service Community Ful -Service Community
Schools (FSCS) program Schools (FSCS) program
coordinated supports, services, coordinated supports, services,
the Bureau of Indian Education the Bureau of Indian Education
and opportunities for children and opportunities for children
(BIE) and (2) one or more (BIE) and (2) one or more
 
Promise Neighborhoods Promise Neighborhoods
to prepare them for to prepare them for
community-based community-based
program program
postsecondary education or postsecondary education or
organizations, nonprofit organizations, nonprofit
employment. Pipeline services employment. Pipeline services
organizations, or other public organizations, or other public
may include mental health may include mental health
or private entities. or private entities.
services and supports, and services and supports, and
Promise Neighborhoods: IHEs, Promise Neighborhoods: IHEs,
must facilitate the coordination must facilitate the coordination
Indian tribes and tribal Indian tribes and tribal
of the provision of social, of the provision of social,
organizations, or a nonprofit organizations, or a nonprofit
health, and mental health health, and mental health
organization partnered with an organization partnered with an
services and supports for services and supports for
Indian tribe, school district, or Indian tribe, school district, or
children, their families, and children, their families, and
another nonprofit. another nonprofit.
community members. community members.
CRS-35 link to page 48 link to page 48 Brief Description of Program Authorizing Legislation U.S. Code Relevant Uses of Funds Eligibility Education for the Education for the
ESEA, Title I-A, §§1114, 1115 ESEA, Title I-A, §§1114, 1115
20 U.S.C. §§6314-6315 20 U.S.C. §§6314-6315
Title I-A funds can be used by Title I-A funds can be used by
LEAs with relatively high LEAs with relatively high
Disadvantaged: Grants to Local Disadvantaged: Grants to Local
schools operating schoolwide schools operating schoolwide
concentrations of students concentrations of students
Educational Agencies (Title I-A) Educational Agencies (Title I-A)
progr programsa for counseling, for counseling,
from low-income families. from low-income families.
school-based mental health school-based mental health
services, and other strategies services, and other strategies
among numerous possible uses among numerous possible uses
~~CRS-33~~

~~link to page 46~~
~~Brief Description of~~
~~Program~~
~~Authorizing Legislation~~
~~U.S. Code~~
~~Relevant Uses of Funds~~
~~Eligibility~~
of funds. Schools operating of funds. Schools operating
targeted assistance progrtargeted assistance programsb
may also be able to use funds may also be able to use funds
for health and other social for health and other social
services if they are not services if they are not
otherwise available. otherwise available.
National Activities for School National Activities for School
ESEA, Title IV-F-3, §§4601, ESEA, Title IV-F-3, §§4601,
20 U.S.C. §7281(a) 20 U.S.C. §7281(a)
The Secretary of Education can The Secretary of Education can
Eligibility varies by individual Eligibility varies by individual
Safety Safety
4631 4631
use funds for grants, contracts, use funds for grants, contracts,
grant program, but often grant program, but often
 
or cooperative agreements to or cooperative agreements to
includes state educational includes state educational

Grants to States for Grants to States for
Emergency Management Emergency Management
carry out activities to improve carry out activities to improve
agencies (SEAs), LEAs, IHEs, agencies (SEAs), LEAs, IHEs,
students’ safety and well-being. students’ safety and well-being.
federal agencies, nonprofit federal agencies, nonprofit
 
Mental Health Service Mental Health Service
organizations, and community- organizations, and community-
Professional Professional
based organizations. based organizations.
Demonstration Grants Demonstration Grants
 
Project Prevent Project Prevent
 
School-Based Mental School-Based Mental
Health Services Grants Health Services Grants
 
School Climate School Climate
Transformation Grants Transformation Grants
Prevention and Intervention Prevention and Intervention
ESEA, Title I-D, §1424 ESEA, Title I-D, §1424
20 U.S.C. §§6454, 6302(d) 20 U.S.C. §§6454, 6302(d)
Funds provided to LEAs may be LEAs with high numbers or Funds provided to LEAs may be LEAs with high numbers or
Programs for Children and Programs for Children and
used for the coordination of used for the coordination of
percentages of children and percentages of children and
Youth Who Are Neglected, Youth Who Are Neglected,
health and social services, health and social services,
youth residing in locally youth residing in locally
Delinquent, or At-Risk Delinquent, or At-Risk
including mental health including mental health
operated correctional facilities operated correctional facilities
services, if there is a likelihood services, if there is a likelihood
for children and youth. for children and youth.
that the provision of such that the provision of such
services wil increase the services wil increase the
probability that individuals probability that individuals
served wil complete their served wil complete their
education. education.
CRS-36 Brief Description of Program Authorizing Legislation U.S. Code Relevant Uses of Funds Eligibility Project School Emergency Project School Emergency
ESEA, Title IV-F-3, §§4601, ESEA, Title IV-F-3, §§4601,
20 U.S.C. §7281(b) 20 U.S.C. §7281(b)
Project SERV grants are Project SERV grants are
LEAs and IHEs that have LEAs and IHEs that have
Response to Violence (Project Response to Violence (Project
4631 4631
awarded to LEAs and IHEs that awarded to LEAs and IHEs that
experienced a violent or experienced a violent or
SERV) SERV)
have experienced a violent or have experienced a violent or
traumatic crisis. traumatic crisis.
traumatic crisis to initiate or traumatic crisis to initiate or
strengthen violence prevention strengthen violence prevention
programs and other activities programs and other activities
~~CRS-34~~

~~Brief Description of~~
~~Program~~
~~Authorizing Legislation~~
~~U.S. Code~~
~~Relevant Uses of Funds~~
~~Eligibility~~
designed to restore learning designed to restore learning
environments disrupted by the environments disrupted by the
crisis or traumatic event. crisis or traumatic event.
Examples of allowable services Examples of allowable services
and activities related to mental and activities related to mental
health that schools and LEAs health that schools and LEAs
may use Project SERV funds may use Project SERV funds
toward include mental health toward include mental health
assessments, referrals, and assessments, referrals, and
services related to the services related to the
traumatic event for students, traumatic event for students,
faculty, other school personnel, faculty, other school personnel,
and members of their and members of their
immediate families; and immediate families; and
overtime for teachers, overtime for teachers,
counselors, and other staff. counselors, and other staff.
Student Support and Academic Student Support and Academic
ESEA, Title IV-A, §§4104, 4108 ESEA, Title IV-A, §§4104, 4108
20 U.S.C. §§7111-7122 20 U.S.C. §§7111-7122
States may use funds reserved States may use funds reserved
Formula grants to SEAs are Formula grants to SEAs are
Enrichment Grants (SSAE) Enrichment Grants (SSAE)
for state activities to support for state activities to support
based on their share of prior based on their share of prior
LEAs in implementing mental LEAs in implementing mental
year ESEA Title I-A grants year ESEA Title I-A grants
health awareness training health awareness training
provided to SEAs. SEAs make provided to SEAs. SEAs make
programs and expanding access programs and expanding access
subgrants to LEAs based on subgrants to LEAs based on
to or coordinating resources to or coordinating resources
their share of prior year ESEA their share of prior year ESEA
for school-based counseling for school-based counseling
Title I-A grants to LEAs in the Title I-A grants to LEAs in the
and mental health programs, and mental health programs,
state. state.
among other possible uses among other possible uses of
~~funds.~~ . LEAs may use LEAs may use ~~the~~ funds funds
for school-based mental health for school-based mental health
services, school-based mental services, school-based mental
health services partnership health services partnership
programs, and school programs, and school
counseling, among other counseling, among other
possible usespossible uses ~~of funds~~. .
CRS- CRS-3537

Brief Description of
Program
Authorizing Legislation
U.S. Code
Relevant Uses of Funds
Eligibility
Student Safety and Campus Student Safety and Campus
HEA, Title VIII-L, §821 HEA, Title VIII-L, §821
20 U.S.C. §1161l 20 U.S.C. §1161l
Grants may be used to pay for Grants may be used to pay for
Competitive grants to IHEs and Competitive grants to IHEs and
Emergency Management Grants Emergency Management Grants
the federal share of costs for the federal share of costs for
consortia of IHEs. consortia of IHEs.
activities to improve safety and activities to improve safety and
emergency communications at emergency communications at
IHEs. IHEs.
Supporting Effective Instruction Supporting Effective Instruction
ESEA, Title II-A, §2103 ESEA, Title II-A, §2103
20 U.S.C. §§6611-6614; and 20 U.S.C. §§6611-6614; and
Funds can be used by LEAs to Funds can be used by LEAs to
LEAs LEAs
§6603(a) §6603(a)
provide in-service training for provide in-service training for
school personnel in forming school personnel in forming
partnerships between school-partnerships between school-
based mental health programs based mental health programs
and public or private mental and public or private mental
health organizations, among health organizations, among
other possible uses of funds. other possible uses of funds.
Trauma Recovery Trauma Recovery
ESEA, Title IV-A, §4103(a)(3) ESEA, Title IV-A, §4103(a)(3)
20 U.S.C. §§7113-7114 20 U.S.C. §§7113-7114
Grants must support students Grants must support students
Competitive grants to SEAs, or Competitive grants to SEAs, or
Demonstration Grants Demonstration Grants
from low-income families who from low-income families who
SEAs in partnership with SEAs in partnership with
have experienced trauma that have experienced trauma that
nonprofit organizations; IHEs; nonprofit organizations; IHEs;
negatively affects their negatively affects their
or state or local mental health or state or local mental health
educational experience in educational experience in
agencies. agencies.
accessing trauma-specific accessing trauma-specific
mental health services. mental health services.
Programs Administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Emergency Management Emergency Management
The Homeland Security Act The Homeland Security Act
6 U.S.C. §762; 42 U.S.C. §5121; 6 U.S.C. §762; 42 U.S.C. §5121;
Grants can be used to assist in Grants can be used to assist in
Grants are awarded to state, Grants are awarded to state,
Performance Grant Program Performance Grant Program
(P.L. 107-296), as amended; the 42 U.S.C. §§7701 et seq.; and (P.L. 107-296), as amended; the 42 U.S.C. §§7701 et seq.; and
preparing for all hazards by preparing for all hazards by
local, territorial, and tribal local, territorial, and tribal
Robert T. Stafford Disaster Robert T. Stafford Disaster
42 U.S.C. §§4001 et seq. 42 U.S.C. §§4001 et seq.
supporting the development of supporting the development of
governments. governments.
Relief and Emergency Relief and Emergency
emergency preparedness emergency preparedness
Assistance Act (P.L. 93-288), as Assistance Act (P.L. 93-288), as
systems. systems.
amended; the Earthquake amended; the Earthquake
Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 Hazards Reduction Act of 1977
(P.L. 95-124), as amended; and (P.L. 95-124), as amended; and
the National Flood Insurance the National Flood Insurance
Act of 1968 (P.L. 90-448), as Act of 1968 (P.L. 90-448), as
amended. amended.
CRS- CRS-3638

Brief Description of
Program
Authorizing Legislation
U.S. Code
Relevant Uses of Funds
Eligibility
State Homeland Security Grant State Homeland Security Grant
The Homeland Security Act The Homeland Security Act
6 U.S.C. §605 6 U.S.C. §605
Grants can be used to assist Grants can be used to assist
Grants are awarded to states. Grants are awarded to states.
Program Program
(P.L. 107-296), as amended, (P.L. 107-296), as amended,
state, local, and tribal state, local, and tribal
§2004. §2004.
governments in preparing for, governments in preparing for,
protecting against, and protecting against, and
responding to acts of responding to acts of
terrorism. terrorism.
Urban Area Security Initiative Urban Area Security Initiative
The Homeland Security Act The Homeland Security Act
6 U.S.C. §604 6 U.S.C. §604
Grants can be used to assist Grants can be used to assist
Grants are awarded to high- Grants are awarded to high-
(P.L. 107-296), as amended, (P.L. 107-296), as amended,
high-risk urban areas in high-risk urban areas in
risk urban areas. risk urban areas.
§2003. §2003.
preventing, preparing for, preventing, preparing for,
protecting against, and protecting against, and
responding to acts of responding to acts of
terrorism. terrorism.

Programs Administered by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
Community Oriented Policing Community Oriented Policing
The Violent Crime Control and 34 U.S.C. §§10381-10389 and The Violent Crime Control and 34 U.S.C. §§10381-10389 and
Grants can be used to hire Grants can be used to hire
Grants can be awarded to Grants can be awarded to
Services (COPS) Hiring Services (COPS) Hiring
Law Enforcement Act of 1994 Law Enforcement Act of 1994
§10261(a)(11) §10261(a)(11)
entry-level career law entry-level career law
state, local, and tribal state, local, and tribal
Program Program
(P.L. 103-322), as amended, (P.L. 103-322), as amended,
enforcement officers to enforcement officers to
governments with primary law governments with primary law
§10003. §10003.
increase community policing increase community policing
enforcement authority. enforcement authority.
capacities and support crime capacities and support crime
prevention efforts. prevention efforts.
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Edward Byrne Memorial Justice
The Violence Against Women The Violence Against Women
34 U.S.C. §§10151-10158 34 U.S.C. §§10151-10158
Grants can be used for state Grants can be used for state
Grants are awarded to state, Grants are awarded to state,
Assistance Grant (JAG) Assistance Grant (JAG)
and Department of Justice and Department of Justice
and local initiatives, technical and local initiatives, technical
local, and tribal governments. local, and tribal governments.
Program Program
Reauthorization Act of 2005 Reauthorization Act of 2005
assistance, training, personnel, assistance, training, personnel,
(P.L. 109-162), §1111. (P.L. 109-162), §1111.
equipment, supplies, equipment, supplies,
contractual support, and contractual support, and
criminal justice information criminal justice information
systems in one or more of systems in one or more of
eight program purpose areas: eight program purpose areas:
(1) law enforcement programs; (1) law enforcement programs;
(2) prosecution and court (2) prosecution and court
programs; (3) prevention and programs; (3) prevention and
education programs; (4) education programs; (4)
corrections and community corrections and community
corrections programs; (5) drug corrections programs; (5) drug
treatment and enforcement treatment and enforcement
CRS- CRS-3739

Brief Description of
Program
Authorizing Legislation
U.S. Code
Relevant Uses of Funds
Eligibility
programs; (6) planning, programs; (6) planning,
evaluation, and technology evaluation, and technology
improvement programs; (7) improvement programs; (7)
crime victim and witness crime victim and witness
programs (other than victim programs (other than victim
compensation); and (8) mental compensation); and (8) mental
health programs and related health programs and related
law enforcement and law enforcement and
corrections programs, including corrections programs, including
behavioral programs and crisis behavioral programs and crisis
intervention teams. intervention teams.
Juvenile Justice and Juvenile Justice and
The Juvenile Justice and The Juvenile Justice and
34 U.S.C. §§11131-11133 and 34 U.S.C. §§11131-11133 and
Grants can be used to fund the Grants can be used to fund the
Grants are awarded to states. Grants are awarded to states.
Delinquency Prevention Act, Delinquency Prevention Act,
Delinquency Prevention Act Delinquency Prevention Act
§11181(a) §11181(a)
planning, establishment, planning, establishment,
Part B, State Formula Grants Part B, State Formula Grants
(P.L. 93-415), as amended, (P.L. 93-415), as amended,
operation, coordination, and operation, coordination, and
§§220-223. §§220-223.
evaluation of projects that evaluation of projects that
improve juvenile delinquency improve juvenile delinquency
programs and states’ juvenile programs and states’ juvenile
justice systems. justice systems.
Juvenile Justice and Juvenile Justice and
The Juvenile Justice and The Juvenile Justice and
34 U.S.C. §§11311-11313 34 U.S.C. §§11311-11313
Grants can be used to support Grants can be used to support
Grants are awarded to states, Grants are awarded to states,
Delinquency Prevention Act, Delinquency Prevention Act,
Delinquency Prevention Act Delinquency Prevention Act
delinquency prevention delinquency prevention
and are then allocated to units and are then allocated to units
Title V, Incentive Grants for Title V, Incentive Grants for
(P.L. 93-415), as amended, (P.L. 93-415), as amended,
programs for juveniles who programs for juveniles who
of local government or of local government or
Local Delinquency Prevention Local Delinquency Prevention
§§501-506. §§501-506.
have come into contact with, have come into contact with,
nonprofits in partnership with nonprofits in partnership with
or are at risk for contact with, or are at risk for contact with,
units of local government. units of local government.
the juvenile justice system. the juvenile justice system.
Matching Grant Program for Matching Grant Program for
The Victims of Trafficking and The Victims of Trafficking and
34 U.S.C. §§10551-10556 34 U.S.C. §§10551-10556
Under this program, the Under this program, the
Grants can be awarded to Grants can be awarded to
School Security School Security
Violence Protection Act of Violence Protection Act of
Bureau of Justice Assistance Bureau of Justice Assistance
state, local, and tribal state, local, and tribal
2000 (P.L. 106-368), §1108(b). 2000 (P.L. 106-368), §1108(b).
(BJA) is authorized to award (BJA) is authorized to award
governments. Grants can be governments. Grants can be
grants for (1) training school grants for (1) training school
subwarded to LEAs, nonprofit subwarded to LEAs, nonprofit
personnel and students to personnel and students to
organizations, or units of local organizations, or units of local
prevent student violence prevent student violence
government or tribal government or tribal
against others and themselves, against others and themselves,
organizations. organizations.
(2) developing and operating (2) developing and operating
anonymous reporting systems anonymous reporting systems
for threats of school violence, for threats of school violence,
(3) developing and operating (3) developing and operating
school threat assessment and school threat assessment and
CRS- CRS-3840

Brief Description of
Program
Authorizing Legislation
U.S. Code
Relevant Uses of Funds
Eligibility
intervention teams and intervention teams and
specialized training for school specialized training for school
officials in responding to mental officials in responding to mental
health crises; and (4) any other health crises; and (4) any other
measure that BJA determines measure that BJA determines
may provide a significant may provide a significant
improvement in training, threat improvement in training, threat
assessments and reporting, and assessments and reporting, and
violence prevention in schools. violence prevention in schools.
The COPS Office is authorized The COPS Office is authorized
to award grants to state, local, to award grants to state, local,
and tribal governments for: (1) and tribal governments for: (1)
coordination with local law coordination with local law
enforcement; (2) training for enforcement; (2) training for
local law enforcement officers local law enforcement officers
to prevent student violence to prevent student violence
against others and themselves; against others and themselves;
(3) metal detectors, locks, (3) metal detectors, locks,
lighting, and other deterrent lighting, and other deterrent
measures; (4) acquiring and measures; (4) acquiring and
installing technology for installing technology for
expedited notification of local expedited notification of local
law enforcement during an law enforcement during an
emergency; and (5) any other emergency; and (5) any other
measure that the COPS Office measure that the COPS Office
determines may provide a determines may provide a
significant improvement in significant improvement in
school security. school security.
Programs Administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Children’s Mental Health Children’s Mental Health
Public Health Service Act Public Health Service Act
42 U.S.C. §290ff 42 U.S.C. §290ff
Comprehensive Community Comprehensive Community
Grants are awarded to states, Grants are awarded to states,
Initiative (CMHI) Initiative (CMHI)
(PHSA), §§561-565 (PHSA), §§561-565
Mental Health Services for Mental Health Services for
local governments, tribes, and local governments, tribes, and
Children with Serious Children with Serious
territories to assist in their territories to assist in their
Emotional Disturbance Emotional Disturbance
efforts to deliver or facilitate efforts to deliver or facilitate
(Systems of Care Expansion (Systems of Care Expansion
access to community-based or access to community-based or
and Sustainability Grants) and Sustainability Grants)
school-based mental health school-based mental health
grants support systems of care grants support systems of care
services to support systems of services to support systems of
for children with serious for children with serious
CRS- CRS-3941

Brief Description of
Program
Authorizing Legislation
U.S. Code
Relevant Uses of Funds
Eligibility
emotional disturbances. Funds emotional disturbances. Funds
care for children with serious care for children with serious
are used to create are used to create
emotional disturbances. emotional disturbances.
infrastructure and facilitate infrastructure and facilitate
access to community-based or access to community-based or
school-based mental health school-based mental health
services. Educational services. Educational
professionals also coordinate professionals also coordinate
with CMHI-funded systems of with CMHI-funded systems of
care for referrals, service care for referrals, service
planning meetings, and planning meetings, and
evaluation of outcomes. evaluation of outcomes.
Community Mental Health Community Mental Health
PHSA, Title XIX-B, Subpart I PHSA, Title XIX-B, Subpart I
42 U.S.C. §300x 42 U.S.C. §300x
The MHBG supports The MHBG supports
MHBG funds are distributed to MHBG funds are distributed to
Services Block Grant (MHBG) Services Block Grant (MHBG)
community mental health community mental health
states (including the District of states (including the District of
services for adults with serious services for adults with serious
Columbia and specified Columbia and specified
mental il ness and children with mental il ness and children with
territories) according to a territories) according to a
serious emotional disturbance. serious emotional disturbance.
formula specified in statute. formula specified in statute.
States have flexibility in the use States have flexibility in the use
of MHBG funds within the of MHBG funds within the
framework of the state plan framework of the state plan
and federal requirements. Most and federal requirements. Most
services are community-based, services are community-based,
though schools may be a though schools may be a
service location. service location.
Garrett Lee Smith (GLS) Garrett Lee Smith (GLS)
PHSA, §520E-2 PHSA, §520E-2
42 U.S.C. §§290bb-36b 42 U.S.C. §§290bb-36b
The GLS Campus Suicide The GLS Campus Suicide
IHEs, including state IHEs, including state
Campus Suicide Prevention Campus Suicide Prevention
Prevention Grant Program Prevention Grant Program
universities, private four-year universities, private four-year
Grants Grants
provides funding to IHEs to provides funding to IHEs to
col eges and universities col eges and universities
prevent suicide. Grantees can prevent suicide. Grantees can
(including those with religious (including those with religious
use funds for a variety of use funds for a variety of
affiliations), community affiliations), community
activities related to suicide activities related to suicide
col eges, and minority-serving col eges, and minority-serving
prevention, including enhancing prevention, including enhancing
institutions. institutions.
behavioral health services on behavioral health services on
campus. campus.
National Child Traumatic National Child Traumatic
PHSA, §582 PHSA, §582
42 U.S.C. §290hh-1 42 U.S.C. §290hh-1
Through the NCTSI, the Through the NCTSI, the
Grants can be awarded to Grants can be awarded to
Stress Initiative (NCTSI) Stress Initiative (NCTSI)
Substance Abuse and Mental Substance Abuse and Mental
public and nonprofit private public and nonprofit private
Health Services Administration Health Services Administration
entities, as well as to Indian entities, as well as to Indian
(SAMHSA) provides grants, (SAMHSA) provides grants,
tribes and tribal organizations. tribes and tribal organizations.
CRS- CRS-4042

Brief Description of
Program
Authorizing Legislation
U.S. Code
Relevant Uses of Funds
Eligibility
education and training, education and training,
Priority is given to universities, Priority is given to universities,
technical support, data technical support, data
hospitals, mental health hospitals, mental health
col ection, evaluation services, col ection, evaluation services,
agencies, and other programs agencies, and other programs
and information on evidence- and information on evidence-
that have established clinical that have established clinical
based interventions for trauma based interventions for trauma
expertise and research expertise and research
care for use in child mental care for use in child mental
experience in the field of experience in the field of
health clinics, schools, child health clinics, schools, child
trauma-related mental trauma-related mental
welfare, or juvenile justice welfare, or juvenile justice
disorders. disorders.
settings. settings.
Project Advancing Wellness Project Advancing Wellness
PHSA, §520A PHSA, §520A
42 U.S.C. §290bb-32 42 U.S.C. §290bb-32
Project AWARE is part of Project AWARE is part of
The HHS Secretary may carry The HHS Secretary may carry
and Resiliency in Education and Resiliency in Education
SAMHSA’s Priority Mental SAMHSA’s Priority Mental
out Mental Health PRNS out Mental Health PRNS
(AWARE) (AWARE)
Health Needs of Regional and Health Needs of Regional and
activities, including all Project activities, including all Project
 
National Significance (Mental National Significance (Mental
AWARE programs, directly or AWARE programs, directly or

Project AWARE State Project AWARE State
Grants Grants
Health PRNS). Project AWARE through grants, contracts, or Health PRNS). Project AWARE through grants, contracts, or
grants fund activities to identify grants fund activities to identify
cooperative agreements with cooperative agreements with
 
Mental Health Awareness Mental Health Awareness
children and youth in need of children and youth in need of
states, political subdivisions of states, political subdivisions of
Training Training
mental health services, increase states, Indian tribes or tribal mental health services, increase states, Indian tribes or tribal
 
Resiliency in Communities Resiliency in Communities
access to mental health access to mental health
organizations, health facilities, organizations, health facilities,
After Stress and Trauma After Stress and Trauma
treatment, and promote mental or programs operated by or in treatment, and promote mental or programs operated by or in
(ReCAST) (ReCAST)
health literacy among teachers health literacy among teachers
accordance with a contract or accordance with a contract or
and school personnel. and school personnel.
grant with the Indian Health grant with the Indian Health
Service, or other public or Service, or other public or
private nonprofit entities. private nonprofit entities.
Youth Prevention and Youth Prevention and
PHSA, §514 (as amended by PHSA, §514 (as amended by
42 U.S.C. §290bb-7a(c) 42 U.S.C. §290bb-7a(c)
This grant program supports This grant program supports
Grants can be awarded Grants can be awarded
Recovery Recovery
P.L. 115-271 enacted October P.L. 115-271 enacted October
evidence-based substance use evidence-based substance use
competitively to LEAs, SEAs, competitively to LEAs, SEAs,
24, 2018) 24, 2018)
disorder prevention, treatment, IHEs or consortia of IHEs, local disorder prevention, treatment, IHEs or consortia of IHEs, local
and recovery programs for and recovery programs for
boards or one-stop operators, boards or one-stop operators,
children, adolescents, and children, adolescents, and
nonprofit organizations, states, nonprofit organizations, states,
young adults. For this program, young adults. For this program,
a political subdivision of a state, a political subdivision of a state,
the HHS Secretary, in the HHS Secretary, in
Indian tribes or tribal Indian tribes or tribal
consultation with ED, is to consultation with ED, is to
organizations, or a high school organizations, or a high school
award competitive three-year award competitive three-year
or dormitory serving high or dormitory serving high
grants to specified eligible grants to specified eligible
school students that receives school students that receives
educational or community- educational or community-
funding from the BIE. funding from the BIE.
based entities. based entities.
Source: Table prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) using relevant legislation and materials prepared by ED, DHS, DOJ, and HHS. Table prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS) using relevant legislation and materials prepared by ED, DHS, DOJ, and HHS.
CRS- CRS-4143

a. Schoolwide programs are generally authorized under Title I-A if the percentage of low-income students served by a school is 40% or higher. In schools operating a. Schoolwide programs are generally authorized under Title I-A if the percentage of low-income students served by a school is 40% or higher. In schools operating
schoolwide programs, Title I-A funds may be used to improve the academic achievement of all students in the school. schoolwide programs, Title I-A funds may be used to improve the academic achievement of all students in the school.
b. Schools operating targeted assistance programs use Title I-A funds to provide supplemental educational services to students with the greatest academic needs. b. Schools operating targeted assistance programs use Title I-A funds to provide supplemental educational services to students with the greatest academic needs.
CRS- CRS-4244

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

Appendix B. Other Resources on Federal School
Safety and Security
Research and Statistics
Indicators of School Crime and Safety is an annual report produced jointly by the National Center is an annual report produced jointly by the National Center
for Education Statistics (NCES) in the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Bureau of for Education Statistics (NCES) in the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Bureau of
Justice Statistics (BJS) in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). This report presents federal data Justice Statistics (BJS) in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). This report presents federal data
on school crime and student safety based on information drawn from a variety of data sources, on school crime and student safety based on information drawn from a variety of data sources,
including national surveys of students, teachers, and principals conducted by ED, DOJ, and the including national surveys of students, teachers, and principals conducted by ED, DOJ, and the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the U.S. Department of Health and Human
Services (HHS). Topics covered in the report include student and teacher victimization, bullying Services (HHS). Topics covered in the report include student and teacher victimization, bullying
and cyberbullying, school conditions, fights, weapons, student use of drugs and alcohol, student and cyberbullying, school conditions, fights, weapons, student use of drugs and alcohol, student
perceptions of personal safety at school, and safety and security measures implemented by public perceptions of personal safety at school, and safety and security measures implemented by public
schools. schools.
  Indicators of School Crime and Safety (BJS/DOJ and NCES/ED) (BJS/DOJ and NCES/ED)
(https://nces.ed.gov/programs/crimeindicators/) (https://nces.ed.gov/programs/crimeindicators/)

Data sources for the report: Data sources for the report:
 School-Associated Violent Deaths Surveillance System (SAVD-SS)  School-Associated Violent Deaths Surveillance System (SAVD-SS)
 National Vital Statistics System (NVSS)  National Vital Statistics System (NVSS)
 National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS)  National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS)
 School Crime Supplement (SCS)  School Crime Supplement (SCS)
 Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS)  Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance System (YRBSS)
 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS)  Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS)
 National Teacher and Principal Survey (NTPS)  National Teacher and Principal Survey (NTPS)
 School Survey on Crime and Safety (SSOCS)  School Survey on Crime and Safety (SSOCS)
 Fast Response Survey System (FRSS)  Fast Response Survey System (FRSS)
 Campus Safety and Security Survey  Campus Safety and Security Survey
 EDFacts  EDFacts
 Monitoring the Future Survey  Monitoring the Future Survey
 Studies of Active Shooter Incidents  Studies of Active Shooter Incidents
 School-Associated Violent Deaths Surveillance System (SAVD-SS; CDC/HHS)  School-Associated Violent Deaths Surveillance System (SAVD-SS; CDC/HHS)
(https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/schoolviolence/ (https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/schoolviolence/
SAVD.html) SAVD.html)
 Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC; includes data on school related arrests,  Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC; includes data on school related arrests,
referrals to law enforcement, and bullying and harassment) referrals to law enforcement, and bullying and harassment)
(https://ocrdata.ed.gov) (https://ocrdata.ed.gov)
 National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) Research and Publications  National Threat Assessment Center (NTAC) Research and Publications
(https://www.secretservice.gov/protection/ntac/research/#section-2) (https://www.secretservice.gov/protection/ntac/research/#section-2)
 Crime, Violence, Discipline, and Safety in U.S. Public Schools: Findings From  Crime, Violence, Discipline, and Safety in U.S. Public Schools: Findings From
the School Survey on Crime and Safety: 2017-18 (https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2015/ the School Survey on Crime and Safety: 2017-18 (https://nces.ed.gov/pubs2015/
2015051.pdf) 2015051.pdf)
Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

4345

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

The CDC provides research, information, and strategies for preventing bullying and school The CDC provides research, information, and strategies for preventing bullying and school
violence on their Youth Violence website: violence on their Youth Violence website:
 Youth Violence  Youth Violence
(https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/index.htmlhttps://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/index.html).
CDC youth violence related research and materials include the following: CDC youth violence related research and materials include the following:
 School-Associated Violent Death Study  School-Associated Violent Death Study
(https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/schoolviolence/https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/youthviolence/schoolviolence/
SAVD.htmlSAVD.html)
 Bullying Surveillance Among Youths: Uniform Definitions for Public Health and  Bullying Surveillance Among Youths: Uniform Definitions for Public Health and
Recommended Data Elements Recommended Data Elements
(https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/Bullying-Definitions-FINAL-https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/Bullying-Definitions-FINAL-
a.pdfa.pdf)
Technical Assistance
Technical assistance (TA) centers help state and local agencies, schools, and institutions of higher Technical assistance (TA) centers help state and local agencies, schools, and institutions of higher
education (IHEs) to implement school safety and security programs and practices. TA centers are education (IHEs) to implement school safety and security programs and practices. TA centers are
typically competitively awarded grants that operate at a regional or national level. TA centers may typically competitively awarded grants that operate at a regional or national level. TA centers may
also provide information and resources to the general public through their websites. also provide information and resources to the general public through their websites.
Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety (SEL
Center)
The SEL Center provides technical assistance to state educational agencies (SEAs) and local The SEL Center provides technical assistance to state educational agencies (SEAs) and local
educational agencies (LEAs) in the implementing evidence-based social and emotional learning educational agencies (LEAs) in the implementing evidence-based social and emotional learning
programs and practices. The SEL Center provides different levels of TA ranging from the general programs and practices. The SEL Center provides different levels of TA ranging from the general
TA available through its website to intensive TA provided over extended partnerships with states TA available through its website to intensive TA provided over extended partnerships with states
and LEAs to help build their capacity to integrate social and emotional learning and school safety and LEAs to help build their capacity to integrate social and emotional learning and school safety
strategies into K-12 programming. strategies into K-12 programming.
 Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety  Center to Improve Social and Emotional Learning and School Safety
(https://selcenter.wested.org/) (https://selcenter.wested.org/)
National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments (NCSSLE)
NCSSLE offers information and technical assistance to states, LEAs, and schools that receive NCSSLE offers information and technical assistance to states, LEAs, and schools that receive
Title IV-A Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) Grants. NCSSLE also provides Title IV-A Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) Grants. NCSSLE also provides
listings of grants received by each state, as well as by LEAs within each state, from ED and other listings of grants received by each state, as well as by LEAs within each state, from ED and other
federal agencies to support safe and supportive school-based initiatives. federal agencies to support safe and supportive school-based initiatives.
 National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments  National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments
(https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/) (https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/)
 NCSSLE School Climate Survey Tool  NCSSLE School Climate Survey Tool
(https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/edscls) (https://safesupportivelearning.ed.gov/edscls)
~~Congressional Research Service~~

44

~~Federal Support for School Safety and Security~~

Technical Assistance (TA) Center on Positive Behavioral Interventions and
Supports (PBIS)
The PBIS TA Center provides technical assistance and evaluation tools to SEAs, LEAs, and The PBIS TA Center provides technical assistance and evaluation tools to SEAs, LEAs, and
schools to support their implementation of PBIS. schools to support their implementation of PBIS.
Congressional Research Service 46 Federal Support for School Safety and Security  Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Technical Assistance  Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) Technical Assistance
Center (https://www.pbis.org/) Center (https://www.pbis.org/)
Readiness and Emergency Management for Schools Technical Assistance
(REMS TA) Center
The REMS TA Center builds the “preparedness capacity” of schools, LEAs, institutions of higher The REMS TA Center builds the “preparedness capacity” of schools, LEAs, institutions of higher
education (IHEs), and their community partners and provides information, resources, and services education (IHEs), and their community partners and provides information, resources, and services
in the field of K-12 and higher education emergency operations planning. in the field of K-12 and higher education emergency operations planning.
 REMS TA Center (https://rems.ed.gov)  REMS TA Center (https://rems.ed.gov)
Websites
In addition to grant programs to support school safety and security initiatives, the U.S. In addition to grant programs to support school safety and security initiatives, the U.S.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ED, DOJ, and HHS have compiled resources that Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ED, DOJ, and HHS have compiled resources that
could be helpful to policymakers who want to understand more about these issues, or families, could be helpful to policymakers who want to understand more about these issues, or families,
teachers, school administrators, and law enforcement professionals who want to explore ways to teachers, school administrators, and law enforcement professionals who want to explore ways to
enhance the safety and security of their local schools. enhance the safety and security of their local schools.
 SchoolSafety.gov is a central location for school safety and security materials  SchoolSafety.gov is a central location for school safety and security materials
from DHS, ED, DOJ, and HHS to provide schools and school districts with from DHS, ED, DOJ, and HHS to provide schools and school districts with
actionable recommendations and school safety resources to help them create safe actionable recommendations and school safety resources to help them create safe
and supportive learning environments. SchoolSafety.gov’s resources are and supportive learning environments. SchoolSafety.gov’s resources are
presented in a preparedness continuum, beginning with prevention and presented in a preparedness continuum, beginning with prevention and
progressing through protection, mitigation, response, and recovery. Topics progressing through protection, mitigation, response, and recovery. Topics
covered include bullying/cyberbullying, mental health, school climate, physical covered include bullying/cyberbullying, mental health, school climate, physical
security, school security personnel, emergency planning, threat assessment and security, school security personnel, emergency planning, threat assessment and
reporting, recovery, and training exercises and drills. reporting, recovery, and training exercises and drills.
(https://schoolsafety.gov) (https://schoolsafety.gov)
 The Federal Commission on School Safety provides information on its final  The Federal Commission on School Safety provides information on its final
report and links to federal and state reports on incidents of school violence. report and links to federal and state reports on incidents of school violence.
(https://www.ed.gov/school-safety) (https://www.ed.gov/school-safety)
 The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office web page provides  The Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Office web page provides
background information on School Resource Officers (SROs), and important background information on School Resource Officers (SROs), and important
considerations when assigning SROs. (https://cops.usdoj.gov/considerations when assigning SROs. (https://cops.usdoj.gov/
supportingsafeschools) supportingsafeschools)
 Comprehensive Technical Package for the Prevention of Youth Violence and  Comprehensive Technical Package for the Prevention of Youth Violence and
Associated Risk Behaviors Associated Risk Behaviors
(https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/yv-technicalpackage.pdfhttps://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/yv-technicalpackage.pdf)
( https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/yv-technicalpackage-spanish.pdfhttps://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/yv-technicalpackage-spanish.pdf)
 DOJ’s crimesolutions.gov website provides information on evaluations of school  DOJ’s crimesolutions.gov website provides information on evaluations of school
safety programs and practices. Evaluations can be sorted by those DOJ has rated safety programs and practices. Evaluations can be sorted by those DOJ has rated
~~Congressional Research Service~~

45

~~Federal Support for School Safety and Security~~

as effective, those that are “promising,” and those that are ineffective. as effective, those that are “promising,” and those that are ineffective.
(https://crimesolutions.gov) (https://crimesolutions.gov)
 K-12 School Security Guide (2nd Edition) and School Security Survey  K-12 School Security Guide (2nd Edition) and School Security Survey
(https://www.dhs.gov/publication/k-12-school-security-guide) (https://www.dhs.gov/publication/k-12-school-security-guide)
 The National Criminal Justice Reference Service provides a directory of  The National Criminal Justice Reference Service provides a directory of
resources related to school safety, including Q&As on school safety topics, links resources related to school safety, including Q&As on school safety topics, links
Congressional Research Service 47 Federal Support for School Safety and Security to DOJ publications on school safety, and links to other school safety resources. to DOJ publications on school safety, and links to other school safety resources.
(https://www.ncjrs.gov/schoolsafety/additional.html) (https://www.ncjrs.gov/schoolsafety/additional.html)
 National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ’s) Comprehensive School Safety Initiative  National Institute of Justice’s (NIJ’s) Comprehensive School Safety Initiative
(CSSI; NIJ/DOJ) (CSSI; NIJ/DOJ)
(https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/nijs-comprehensive-school-safety-initiative) (https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/nijs-comprehensive-school-safety-initiative)
 What Do Data Reveal About Violence in Schools? (NIJ/DOJ)  What Do Data Reveal About Violence in Schools? (NIJ/DOJ)
(https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/what-do-data-reveal-about-violence-schools) (https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/what-do-data-reveal-about-violence-schools)
 School Safety and Security (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security  School Safety and Security (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security
Agency/DHS) Agency/DHS)
(https://www.dhs.gov/cisa/school-safety-and-security) (https://www.dhs.gov/cisa/school-safety-and-security)
 StopBullying.gov  StopBullying.gov
(https://www.stopbullying.gov/) (https://www.stopbullying.gov/)
 Suicide Prevention Resource Center: Youth  Suicide Prevention Resource Center: Youth
(https://www.sprc.org/populations/youth) (https://www.sprc.org/populations/youth)
 Violence Education Tools Online (VetoViolence)  Violence Education Tools Online (VetoViolence)
(https://vetoviolence.cdc.gov/apps/main/homehttps://vetoviolence.cdc.gov/apps/main/home)
 Violence Prevention at Youth.gov  Violence Prevention at Youth.gov
(https://youth.gov/youth-topics/violence-prevention) (https://youth.gov/youth-topics/violence-prevention)

Author Information

Kyrie E. Dragoo, Coordinator Kyrie E. Dragoo, Coordinator
Shawn Reese Shawn Reese
Analyst in Education Policy Analyst in Education Policy
Analyst in Emergency Management and Homeland Analyst in Emergency Management and Homeland

Security Policy Security Policy

Nathan James Nathan James
Alexandra Hegji Alexandra Hegji
Analyst in Crime Policy Analyst in Crime Policy
Analyst in Social Policy Analyst in Social Policy

Johnathan H. Duff Johnathan H. Duff

Analyst in Health Policy Analyst in Health Policy

Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service

4648

Federal Support for School Safety and Security

Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and
under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other
than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in
connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not
subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in subject to copyright protection in the United States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in
its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or its entirety without permission from CRS. However, as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or
material from a third party, you may need to obtain the permission of the copyright holder if you wish to material from a third party, you may need to obtain the permission of the copyright holder if you wish to
copy or otherwise use copyrighted material. copy or otherwise use copyrighted material.

Congressional Research Service Congressional Research Service
R46872 R46872 · VERSION 710 · UPDATED
4749