Community youth services will implement the comprehensive approaches with resources to enhance safety (CARES) project for alief independent school district high schools

This project aims to address increasing youth violence, delinquency, and victimization in harris county, particularly in alief ISD, where 96% of students are minorities and 84% are considered at risk. The CARES project seeks to enhance school safety and improve school climate with a sustainable infrastructure where all students have adequate access to comprehensive violence prevention and intervention strategies as well as behavior and mental health supports. Primary activities include the formation of a multidisciplinary advisory board comprised of representatives from community organizations, law enforcement, mental health professionals, parents, and school officials. A comprehensive needs assessment will be conducted to identify the most pressing needs and strengths of students, families, and schools, which will inform the specific resources and services to be provided. The project will use a multi-tiered systems of support model to provide a continuum of services. The CARES project emphasizes family engagement, community collaboration, and culturally responsive practices to ensure youth and families are actively involved in the initiative. A parent advisory council, trainings, family counseling, and support services will foster meaningful engagement and equip parents/guardians with the tools to support their children effectively. The project will also establish youth leadership/empowerment programs to involve students directly in promoting a positive school climate and advocating for nonviolence. By expanding school-based services and leveraging community partnerships, this project aims to create a safe and supportive learning environment in alief independent school district, improve social-emotional well-being, and reduce problem behaviors, truancy, and potential delinquency. The expected outcomes include enhanced school safety, improved academic performance, and the overall well-being of students, ultimately fostering a safer community for all.