Building Safer Futures Through Prevention and Education in Franklin County Schools 

CAPSA is excited to share that we are beginning prevention and education presentations at Preston High School, Preston Junior High School, and Franklin County High School. This step reflects what we have consistently heard from families, educators, and community members: a strong desire to equip young people with skills that support healthy relationships, leadership, and safety, now and into the future. 

Franklin County is a place where people care deeply about their kids and their neighbors. The growing interest in prevention education speaks to that commitment. By working together with schools, students, and families, we can build on the many strengths already present in our community while offering practical tools that help prevent harm and promote connection. 

Why Prevention and Education Matter 

Prevention education is about more than responding to crisis, it is about giving young people the knowledge, language, and confidence they need to navigate relationships, look out for one another, and seek help when something does not feel right. When these conversations happen early and often, youth are better prepared to make healthy choices and to be supportive peers. 

CAPSA’s prevention and education programs are designed to be age-appropriate, inclusive, and rooted in respect. They complement what schools and families are already doing while opening the door to meaningful conversations about communication, boundaries, and community care. 

Teaching Healthy Boundaries, Communication, and Emotions 

Healthy relationships are built on clear boundaries, respectful communication, and emotional wellness. CAPSA’s presentations help students: 

• Understand what healthy, unhealthy, and abusive behaviors can look like 

• Learn how boundaries protect both themselves and others 

• Practice communication skills that support mutual respect 

• Develop emotional awareness and learn strategies to manage emotions 

These lessons are a key part of abuse prevention and help lay a foundation for safer relationships throughout life. 

Upstanding : Bystander Intervention  

Our Upstanding course focuses on what to do when you see something that could cause harm, and it can be taught to both youth and adults. In these trainings, participants learn: 

• How to recognize potentially harmful situations 

• Safe and effective ways to intervene or seek help 

• How small actions can make a big difference 

Upstanding education encourages a culture where people look out for one another and feel empowered to act with care and responsibility, whether in schools, workplaces, or the broader community. 

The SAFE Adult Framework: Shame-Free Conversations 

Safety is strongest when young people know they are not alone. CAPSA’s SAFE Adult Framework works in several ways: 

• For adults: how to be a safe resource for kids and how to talk with youth about sensitive topics like online harm and violence, consent and healthy relationships, bullying and cyberbullying, and mental health This shared approach helps strengthen communication within families and youth serving organizations and reinforces support systems across the community. 

Partner With CAPSA for Trainings and Presentations 

CAPSA offers prevention and education trainings for youth groups, adults, workplaces, and other community organizations. If you are interested in bringing a presentation or training to your school, group, or organization, we would love to connect. 

Please reach out to Abi Van Wagenen, CAPSA’s Director of Prevention and Education at abi@capsa.org to learn more about available options and how we can work together. 

 

By investing in prevention and education, Franklin County is continuing a tradition of caring for its young people and supporting their growth. CAPSA is honored to partner with local schools and community members as we work together toward safer, healthier, and more connected futures.