The Georgia HB 268 School Safety & Violence Prevention Toolkit: A Comprehensive Solution for Preventing School Violence, Strengthening Family Engagement, and Supporting Student Mental Health

By Derek Collins, PhD., CEAP, CADC-II, MATS, SAP

School safety is one of the most urgent issues facing families, educators, and communities across Georgia. With schools experiencing rising concerns around bullying, violence, mental health challenges, and online threats, Georgia House Bill 268 (HB 268) highlights the need for proactive prevention—not reactive responses.

To help schools meet the goals of HB 268, The Diversion Center created the Georgia HB 268 School Safety & Violence Prevention Toolkit—a powerful, evidence-based collection of programs designed to reduce violence, improve mental health, strengthen family engagement, and promote safer school environments.

This toolkit integrates SEL (Social-Emotional Learning), violence prevention, trauma-informed practices, and real-world life skills, giving educators and families the tools they need to prevent crises before they occur.

Below is a detailed look at every component of the toolkit and how it helps schools comply with—and exceed—the expectations of HB 268.

1. Gun Violence Intervention Curriculum

The Gun Violence Intervention Curriculum is a comprehensive, trauma-informed program designed to reduce gun violence and aggressive behavior among youth. It addresses the root causes of violence and teaches emotional regulation, conflict resolution, and safer decision-making.

Core Modules Include:

• Gun safety & consequences of violence
• Anger management & conflict resolution
• Bullying prevention & domestic violence awareness
• Trauma, grief, PTSD, depression & coping strategies
• Peer pressure, social media safety & retaliation cycles
• Financial literacy, career development & positive identity

This curriculum is used by schools, youth programs, justice systems, and community organizations nationwide.

2. Teen Dating Violence Prevention Curriculum For Girls

Dating violence is a growing concern in middle and high schools. This 218-page workbook empowers girls with the knowledge and skills needed to build safe, healthy relationships.

Students Learn To:

• Identify healthy vs. unhealthy behaviors
• Build self-esteem and set healthy boundaries
• Communicate assertively
• Recognize emotional, verbal, and physical abuse
• Heal from trauma and manage triggering experiences
• Create a personalized safety plan

The workbook is ideal for classrooms, counseling groups, youth programs, and school-based workshops.

3. Financially Lit: Middle School Financial Literacy Curriculum (Grades 6–8)

Financial literacy is a key protective factor against poverty, crime, and negative life outcomes. The Financially Lit Curriculum teaches middle school students how to understand money, build financial discipline, and create a path toward long-term success.

Curriculum Covers:

1. 1Financial Psychology
2. 2Budgeting, Saving & Investing
3. 3Income, Careers & Entrepreneurship
4. 4Credit, Debt & Loans
5. 5Risk Management & Insurance

Includes:

• 394-page Student Guide
• 318-page Instructor Guide
• PowerPoint Presentation

This curriculum strengthens families, supports academic achievement, and prepares students for future economic stability.

4. Social-Emotional Learning Workbook for Parents & Teenagers

The SEL Workbook for Parents and Teenagers is a high-impact family engagement resource that builds emotional intelligence, communication skills, and healthy decision-making in teens.

With over 100 pages of guided activities, the workbook helps families develop:

• Self-awareness
• Self-management
• Relationship skills
• Social awareness
• Responsible decision-making
• Mood management
• Healthy communication

It can be completed independently, at home with a parent, or used in classrooms and counseling settings. This workbook strengthens family bonding—one of the strongest predictors of school safety and youth resilience.

5. “How to Be Successful With or Without a College Degree” Audiobook

This motivational audiobook teaches teens and families how to build confidence, develop discipline, and create a path to success—regardless of education level.

Key lessons include:

• Overcoming fear and negative thinking
• Building self-esteem and healthy habits
• Identifying strengths and personal blind spots
• Setting realistic goals
• Achieving success through discipline and mindset

This audiobook aligns with HB 268’s emphasis on prevention, empowerment, and family engagement.

6. Gun Violence Warning Sign Video

This short educational video teaches students, parents, and school staff the early behavioral warning signs that commonly appear before acts of violence.

The video highlights:

• Leakage (threats, hints, disturbing online posts)
• Obsession with weapons or past shootings
• Rapid emotional decline
• Retaliation fantasies or grievance-based thinking
• Attempts to access firearms
• Concerning digital behavior

The video encourages early reporting and helps schools intervene before a crisis escalates.

7. School Shooting Warning Sign Checklist

This downloadable checklist provides educators, counselors, administrators, and parents with a clear, research-based list of warning behaviors associated with targeted school violence.

The checklist covers:

• Direct or indirect threats
• Violent ideation or fixation
• Behavioral decline
• Social withdrawal or rejection
• Aggression and risk-taking
• Dangerous online activity
• Access to weapons
• Pre-attack planning behaviors
• Major life stressors

It also includes immediate action guidelines for responding quickly and safely.

Why the Georgia HB 268 School Safety & Violence Prevention Toolkit Works

This toolkit succeeds because it integrates prevention, education, family engagement, mental health support, and violence intervention into one turnkey solution.

✓ Evidence-based

✓ Trauma-informed

✓ Culturally responsive

✓ Future-ready

✓ Easy to implement

✓ Designed for Georgia’s HB 268 compliance

It gives schools a complete system—not just isolated lessons.

Bring the HB 268 School Safety Toolkit to Your School or District

Schools across Georgia are adopting the Georgia HB 268 School Safety & Violence Prevention Toolkit to improve safety, strengthen counseling departments, and support students academically, emotionally, and socially.

For more information, implementation training, licensing options, or a district presentation:

📞 Call: 404-503-8069 📧 Email: cjordan@thediversioncenter.com 🏢 The Diversion Center

Let’s work together to keep Georgia’s students safe, supported, and prepared for a brighter future.