Capitol News

Prevent 2 Protect (P2P) is a pioneering initiative aimed at preventing targeted adolescent violence in schools through a multidisciplinary approach. This project, housed in Michigan State University’s Department of Psychiatry, brings together experts from mental health, education, and law enforcement to assess and support high-risk K-12 students.

The program operates across four regions: West Shore ESD, school districts in Calhoun and Ingham counties, and Lincoln Park Public Schools. Each region is equipped with an Intensive Support Team comprising a case manager and mentor. These teams are guided by the project's hub team, which includes professionals such as psychiatrists, social workers, educators, and law enforcement personnel.

Alyse Folino Ley serves as the director of Prevent 2 Protect. She is also a child and adolescent psychiatrist and professor at MSU's colleges of Osteopathic Medicine and Human Medicine. Discussing Michigan House Bill 5549—signed into law on January 21 by Governor Gretchen Whitmer—Folino Ley explained how P2P connects high-risk students to essential multidisciplinary support.

House Bill 5549 mandates that school districts establish Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) teams to identify potential risks of violence within schools systematically. "The implementation of BTAM teams is critical in the identification of the potential risk of targeted violence in the K-12 school setting," Folino Ley stated.

When a student threat triggers a BTAM process at school, they may be referred to Prevent 2 Protect if deemed significant. The P2P team then conducts a comprehensive assessment involving psychiatric evaluation and risk assessment. An Individualized Care Plan is developed by regional Intensive Support Teams for ongoing management.

"Managing high-risk students can be overwhelming for schools," noted Folino Ley. P2P provides long-term support through resource system navigation, community collaboration, and mentorship for these adolescents. "We are the bridge between mental health, schools and law enforcement."

Since its inception in one region, over 60 children have been referred to P2P. The intervention model aims to create safer school environments by connecting educational institutions with mental health services and law enforcement. "By supporting one child," said Folino Ley, "we will save many."

Lieza Kelmm