When schools are impacted by violence, communities are left wondering if, and how, it could have been prevented. Members of the Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine are working together to implement a solution. Prevent 2 Protect is a first-of-its-kind project, founded by Director Alyse Folino Ley, D.O., a child and adolescent psychiatrist and associate professor at MSU’s Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine and Human Medicine. The project is focused on keeping Michigan school communities safe by preventing adolescent-targeted violence.
Through a multidisciplinary approach, Prevent 2 Protect manages high-risk K-12 students who have made a threat of violence directed toward their schools. The project draws on expertise from those in mental health, education, and law enforcement to provide early intervention and longterm supports for those enrolled in the project – through mentoring, case management, and improving access to mental health care and community resources. Housed within the MSU Department of Psychiatry, the initiative serves districts in multiple Michigan counties: Lake, Oceana, Mason, Calhoun, Ingham and Wayne. Regional Intensive Support Teams, consisting of a case manager and mentor based in the school community, monitor and coach participants to help them reach their individual goals. These teams are guided by the project’s hub team, made up of psychiatrists, social workers, educators and law enforcement professionals.
Prevent 2 Protect is in the third year of a five-year grant and the program’s impact is already being felt. “We’re beginning to see the project’s positive impact in our communities — kids are choosing to stay engaged and are keeping themselves and others safe,” Dr. Folino Ley said. “Our program has helped kids to feel capable and recognize that they can make meaningful, positive contributions to their communities.
“Since the launch of Prevent 2 Protect, over 75 adolescents have been referred, 50 who have made a credible threat have been found eligible and 40 are actively enrolled and working toward their prosocial goals.
The project aims to give participants a connection to their communities, encouraged through mentorship, knowledge of resources and prosocial engagement. “When an individual feels a connection to their community, the likelihood of committing an act of targeted violence decreases dramatically. At our core, we are all looking to belong,” Dr. Folino Ley said.
As part of the program, a region mentor is critical to participants connecting with their communities. Mentors spend time with high-risk adolescents, offering support, companionship and a positive presence.
“We’re there to connect with them and help them feel valuable,” said Jay Greene, Prevent 2 Protect’s Ingham County mentor who has, throughout his career, worked with at-risk youth who were on probation, in detention centers or residential facilities.
Fully established in November 2024, the Ingham Region is one of the newest in the program. Greene has seen immense growth from the participants and their families in this short time.
“Sometimes all they need is a little guidance,” explained Greene, who is currently helping participants finish high school requirements, enroll in college classes and apply for and hold down jobs. “We’re taking a step toward fulfilling their dreams.”
Traci Austin is the mentor in the Calhoun Region, which serves over 20 schools. “I’ve seen tremendous growth from the kids I work with,” she said, “and they’re being rewarded for it at school and at home.”
Before working with Prevent 2 Protect, Austin had a 24- year career in law enforcement. “One of our participants was constantly being physically violent at school, but since joining the project, they’re much calmer and use the coping skills they have learned,” Austin said.
She sees participants opening up and engaging socially as well. “Some of these kids have experienced trauma, making them extremely shy and reserved, but they’re starting to express themselves more freely,” she said.
Prevent 2 Protect also helps remove barriers by assisting participants’ families to navigate community resources. “Because our regions vary in the number of resources readily accessible, we have to get creative in helping participants meet their goals,” said Danielle Murphy, Prevent 2 Protect project manager, who works with the team to help families overcome obstacles.
“For example, we have some families with significant transportation barriers, which limits activities the students can participate in. As part of meeting the goal of engaging in programs within their community, we were able to purchase bicycles to allow them to independently access activities,” Murphy explained.
“We’ve seen incredible strides from the participants and their families,” Dr. Folino Ley said. “Our Prevent 2 Protect team is helping change the trajectory of high-risk adolescent lives, while keeping our communities safe. The P2P model has the potential to be used to help protect communities throughout the state and the nation.”
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L.Klemm
Media contact: Lieza Klemm, klemmlie@msu.edu, (517) 329-2231
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