A. Preventive programs are those programs aimed at identifying and eliminating problems that impede student learning. B. Each LEA shall have a program on the prevention of crime and disruptive behavior. C. Each LEA may develop and implement, after submission to BESE for approval, a plan for the modification of approved course content and structure to produce interdisciplinary courses for purposes of enhancing dropout prevention programs. D. Teachers, school counselors, principals and certain other school administrators in public elementary and secondary schools shall receive two hours of annual in-service training in suicide prevention. The training shall address the following: ... 7. community organizations and agencies for referral of students to health, mental health, substance abuse, and social support services, including development of at least one memorandum of understanding between the school system and such an entity in the community or region.

Establishes responsive services program that catches early signs of abuse and/ or neglect and connects student with appropriate services.

A. (1)  The State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, in collaboration with the Louisiana Juvenile Justice Planning and Coordination Board, shall formulate, develop, and recommend to the Juvenile Justice Reform Act Implementation Commission by March 1, 2004, a model master plan for improving behavior and discipline within schools.

• (2)  The model master plan may include but need not be limited to guidelines for accomplishing the following:
• (a)  Improving communication, coordination, and collaboration between the schools and juvenile justice agencies.
• (b)  Improving safe school planning.
• (c)  Revising school zero tolerance policies to ensure compliance with all applicable provisions of law to ensure that schools do not make inappropriate referrals to juvenile justice agencies.
• (d)  Providing improved mental health services in or through the schools.

B.  A school may, upon approval of its governing authority, develop and offer youth development and assistance programs that employ violence prevention and intervention initiatives for students in kindergarten and the elementary grades. Such programs shall provide for early identification of and support for students who are at risk before their behavior escalates into aggression or disruption, disciplinary problems, or juvenile delinquency.

C. (1)  A youth development and assistance program may consist of age- or grade-appropriate alternative classrooms during school or special intervention or prevention programs before, after, or during the school day.

• (2)  Such programs may include but shall not be limited to the following components:

• (a)  Provision of services for students including behavioral training and intervention techniques that promote cooperation and enhance interpersonal and conflict resolution skills, peer mediation, anger management, bullying prevention, life skills training, mentoring, counseling, and tutoring programs that improve academic achievement.

• (b)(i)  Provision of services which support the parents of students identified with behavioral needs that may need intervention or support. Such parent services may include literacy services or parental training.

• (ii)  Required participation of any parent of a student so identified in such intervention at the school or other designated facility.

• (c)  Collaboration with community-based organizations, including but not limited to youth services, civic, social services, mental health, volunteer services, and juvenile justice agencies.

D.  The provisions of this Section shall be implemented upon the approval of each city, parish, or other local public school board of any program submitted by a school and the availability of funds to a school for such purpose.