Child Safety and Supportive Practices in Schools
The AFT offers research-based tools and frameworks that help school communities shift from punitive and often unnecessary mandatory reporting practices toward caring, proactive mandated support. These resources emphasize healing relationships, early intervention, and wraparound services that strengthen student wellness and family resilience. You can explore more of this work on the AFT’s Mandated Support in Education page
Every adult in a school community contributes to student safety and well-being. This collection brings together resources that help educators, paraprofessionals, school counselors, nurses, social workers, and support staff recognize signs of distress and take informed, compassionate action.
The materials highlight the evolving shift from traditional mandated reporting toward a broader mandated support approach. This includes strategies for early intervention, trusted adult relationships, family partnerships, trauma-aware practice, and thoughtful navigation of child protective services processes. For additional context on how reporting systems affect families and educators, explore the AFT Children's Health and Well-Being resource Nobody Wins: Mandatory Reporting.
Inside the collection, you’ll find guidance from experts and school-based practitioners, along with tools you can use to respond to concerns, strengthen protective factors, and create environments where students feel seen and safe.
Use these materials to build confidence, deepen understanding, and support students in ways that align with care, equity, and community trust.
