SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT helps schools save lives

Attorney General Josh Kaul is reminding schools, students and families, that the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of School Safety (OSS), has a resource for those in the school community who fear someone may harm themselves or others. Launched in September 2021, the SPEAK UP, SPEAK OUT (SUSO) Resource Center, has already helped save lives.

“Recently, a student shared a concern about another student through the Speak Up, Speak Out Resource Center,” said Kaul. “The tip allowed us to quickly connect with the student, family and provide mental health resources.”

The SUSO is a comprehensive, one-stop place to turn, with important school safety concerns, including mental health. It offers a 24/7 threat reporting system, threat assessment consultation, critical incident response and general school safety guidance.

Wisconsin’s threat reporting system has received tips regarding child abuse, cyberbullying, depression, drugs, weapons and many more safety issues, including 16 threats of suicide. In addition to other action, tips have led to more than 28 welfare checks, as of Jan. 31.

Students, parents, school staff or any community members, can submit a school safety concern or threat, via the SUSO website, mobile phone application or toll-free number. Resource center staff work around-the-clock to respond to tips and to deploy a response locally, by communicating directly with school administrators, law enforcement and counselors.

According to a survey of more than 1,000 principals nationwide who have a school safety tipline, 73 percent of principals said the tipline prevented incidents of self-harm or suicide.

SUSO reports can be made 24/7, online at speakup.widoj. gov; 1-800-697-8761, or by mobile app (iOS/Android).

To learn more about the SUSO Resource Center, visit speakup.widoj.gov. If a school or school district would like to see how the SUSO can be a part of a school safety plan, contact schoolsafety@doj.state.wi.us.