ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on universal school-wide interventions. A review of the literature revealed five critical universal elements that are thought to be important in school-based universal prevention efforts designed to engender a safe learning environment. At the universal level, concerns that emerge from a physical safety assessment may be addressed through the set of principles known as Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. Whereas mitigation efforts are primarily concerned with keeping students physically safe and free from bodily harm, prevention efforts are those that focus on the psychological health and safety of students. Intervention with the student population and the implementation of school-wide rules and expectations both support the creation of a positive school climate. Through the lens of positive youth development, schools are encouraged to focus on students’ strengths and pro-social skills rather than deficits and risk factors. Strategies for asset building/positive youth development and school safety-related prevention efforts overlap considerably.
