Instruction & Implementation Best Practices

Safe Schools Start With Us, Together.

SUSO works best when it is visible, accessible, and actively integrated into school culture. Through ongoing training and awareness, schools can build a lasting culture of help-seeking—where students, staff, and community members feel empowered to recognize concerns and take action. 

SUSO aligns with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s threat reporting recommendations and follows national best practices for preventing violence by encouraging safe and effective confidential reporting.   

A Culture of Help Seeking

Some students may hesitate to report concerns out of fear of retaliation or social isolation, while others may distance themselves from peers who are struggling and in need of support. Reduce the stigma around seeking help by reframing reporting as an act of care. Hurting kids deserve help.  

Empower students as active participants in school safety by creating opportunities for them to be part of the solution. Peer-to-peer models—where students publicly share their commitment to wellness and help-seeking—are especially effective in promoting a culture where everyone’s needs are met.  

Let’s work together to ensure every student knows it’s okay to Speak Up and Speak Out. 

 

What Your Students Should Know About SUSO:

  • SUSO is safe, confidential, and designed to protect students and staff.
  • Reporting is about safety and prevention, not punishment or tattling.
  • When you or someone you know needs help and submits a SUSO tip, there is a real person ready to listen and help. You can stay on to keep talking to them and your identity can remain confidential.
  • The more detail provided in a tip, the more trusted adults can help. 

Best Practices


Visibility & Engagement: 

When SUSO is visible and accessible, students know where to turn for support. SUSO should be a trusted and integrated part of your school community.

Ideas for Engagement: 

  • Display laminated SUSO posters in high-traffic areas (bathroom stalls, hallways, cafeterias, libraries, and common areas).
  • Bookmark the SUSO website on all school devices including: computers, tablets, and library terminals.
  • Add the SUSO logo to student IDs or lanyards and student portals.
  • Encourage students to download the SUSO app on their personal devices during orientations, assemblies, or trainings.
  • Add the SUSO logo and link to your school or district’s website.
  • Feature SUSO information in school newsletters, social media channels, and in communication with guardians.
  • Include SUSO information in student planners, welcome packets, and handbooks.
  • Order SUSO promotional materials and display SUSO logo on bus stickers, rugs, large posters, etc.
  • Promote SUSO with Public Service Announcements (PSAs) throughout the year, empowering students to play a role in creation.

 

 

Curriculum & Instructional Integration: 

Universal and ongoing training is foundational for high-functioning use of SUSO. 

Students

    • Help students understand the tools available to them, including what, when, and how to report. Build this awareness through regular training, classroom lessons, and outreach activities.
    • Integrate SUSO into anti-bullying lessons, suicide prevention efforts, and SEL curriculum to normalize its use as part of a supportive school culture.
    • Reinforce that live, trained analysts are always available, confidentiality is protected, and detailed information leads to the best possible support.
    • Teach the appropriate use of SUSO - reporting genuine safety concerns, not tattling or submitting false tips intended to cause harm. 

 

Staff

    • For SUSO to be sustainable and effective, staff awareness and support are critical.
    • Provide comprehensive training for all school personnel - teachers, counselors, paraprofessionals, coaches, custodial staff, and others - so they fully understand SUSO and can integrate it into daily practice.
    • Encourage staff to reinforce proper reporting practices, guide students through the process as needed, and to model safe and supportive behavior. 

 

Parents & Community Members

    • Community awareness and support are essential to making SUSO a trusted and effective resource. Promote SUSO as a shared resource that strengthens school safety, fosters student well-being, and creates a connected, informed community.
    • Engage parents and the community in SUSO awareness and education. Reach out to schoolsafety@wisdoj.gov for a template Parent Letter (available in both English and Spanish).
    • Partner with local law enforcement as part of your safety strategy.
    • Provide clear information about SUSO, including how it works, what types of concerns to report, and the confidentiality protections in place. 

Tip Management

When a SUSO tip is submitted, it is immediately triaged by SUSO staff and routed to local multidisciplinary teams. Each district or school establishes its own tip workflow and designates specific contacts for managing tips.

Tips involving criminal or life-safety concerns are promptly shared with local law enforcement by SUSO analysts, ensuring timely responses while reducing administrative burden.

Successful program use relies on teams that are trained, organized, and familiar with the user-friendly SUSO platform, P3 Campus. Virtual trainings are provided to ensure school and law enforcement teams can use the system effectively.

For more information about SUSO Contacts and Tip Management, visit the Tip Management page.