Earlier this year, the Werklund School of Education and Shift: The Project to End Domestic Violence, in partnership with CAMH Prevention Science, introduced a new graduate-level, interdisciplinary program, called Safe Schools, Safe Communities. The goal of the program is to equip educators, social workers, health care providers, and other community service workers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to develop safe and caring learning environments inside and outside of formal school settings for all young people.

The program name has recently been updated to Advancing Healthy and Socially Just Schools and Communities. Lana Wells, the Brenda Strafford Chair for the Prevention of Domestic Violence conceived of this interdisciplinary project which is aimed at increasing the capacity of individuals in caring professions to help youth develop healthy relationships and positive social-emotional skills – key factors for reducing rates of bullying, dating violence and domestic violence. If you are a social worker, teacher and or nurse and are interested in participating in the graduate program (starting date 2015), please see the website for more details.