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SFPS Safe Zones program expands beyond LGBTQ+ support to signal trusted trained staff
Summary
Santa Fe Public Schools said its Safe Zones program—rooted in national efforts—now highlights trained staff across schools who are prepared to be empathetic, nonjudgmental points of contact and can refer students for help.
Jen Jefferson explained the district's Safe Zones program, which began nationally in the 1990s to support LGBTQ+ students and has expanded locally to ensure every student can identify trained adults who will listen and refer them to services.
"The program was originally started...to support LGBTQ plus young people. But our program has really expanded to, to every student," Jefferson said. She described Safe Zones partners as staff who complete training so they can recognize needs and refer students to additional supports.
Jefferson emphasized the program's goal of visibility and trust so students know who they can approach: Safe Zones partners are trained to be nonjudgmental and empathetic and to route students to counseling or other services as needed.
