The FORWARD Program is made possible by the United States Department of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, Bureau of Justice Assistance STOP School Violence Program Grant. Under this program Lockport City School District will receive over 1.2 million dollars over the course of the next 3 years to implement a District- and Community-wide initiative to address issues of school and community violence, threat or harm to self and others, and crisis intervention. We will achieve this by making extensive efforts to connect with the Lockport community and train District staff, students, and families in Trauma Informed Care and Restorative Practices. In addition, we will work closely with community partners such as the Lockport Police Department, Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services, and our school pediatrician Dr. William Baier, to better assess and intervene during threat or crisis situations and provide needed supports to students, families, and staff. In years two and three of the program we will launch a Mental Health Awareness Campaign to educate all members of our school and community, especially our children, on the importance of mental health, good mental health practices, and how to identify and manage a mental health crisis. Please join us in our efforts to make Lockport a healthier, safer, and more peaceful place to live, work, and attend school!