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CANADIAN SAFE SCHOOL NETWORK – KEEPING SCHOOLS SAFEThe Canadian Safe School Network (CSSN) is a national, grassroots, charitable organization dedicated to reducing youth violence and making our schools and communities safer. CSSN was founded in 1997, and grew out of the Ontario Safe School Task Force.
CSSN is the only organization of its kind in Canada, and is recognized by national print, television and radio media as a primary source for information and comment on youth violence issues of the day.
CSSN is committed to building and nurturing partnerships that enable the organization to meet its goals. As a result, CSSN works with representatives from police, education, government and the business community to find new solutions to the problem of youth violence. CSSN has received federal government recognition for consultation to the National Crime Prevention Centre and the Solicitor General of Canada. Further, the organization has received provincial recognition from the government of Ontario, in support of its safe schools policy.
The Canadian Safe School Network is located in Toronto, Ontario. However, with the network of experts and professionals, the organization’s services expand across the country.CSSN raises needed funds through safe school project delivery, special events and corporate and individual donor programs. The generous donations enable CSSN to provide assemblies for schools, send youth to safe school conferences, develop research and conferences for educators, provide information to the public and raise awareness about youth violence issues.
Youth violence in schools and communities continues to be a concern across Canada. The number of young people charged with assault and weapons offences has more than doubled in the past decade. The arrival of guns in our schools is an increasing phenomenon, and deserves immediate attention.
Gang and weapons related school violence has intimidated many children into being governed by a code of silence. This code of silence is an issue that has surfaced in Canadian schools in recent years. Children need to mature in a safe and secure school environment. It is important to communicate to the community that the problem of youth violence is societal in nature, and not just the sole responsibility of educators to sort out in isolation. Recognizing that the problem is a shared responsibility is fundamental to the achievement of safe learning environments.