Annual Office of Safe Schools Advocate (OSSA) Report
School Years 2021/22 and 2022/23
The Pennsylvania Public School Code of 1949 was amended in 2011 to provide for the Office of Safe Schools Advocate (OSSA) to fall under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). It is housed in the School District of Philadelphia (District) and works to provide assistance to students who are victims of violence during the school day. This is done by supporting victims and their families in the navigation of District policies and procedures, including the following:
- Researching of incidents in order to provide appropriate assistance;
- Facilitating communication with school administrators;
- Facilitating communication with Assistant Superintendents’ offices;
- Reporting of bullying;
- Requesting bullying investigation;
- Obtaining emergency student transfers;
- Referrals for appropriate services;
- Attendance and advocacy at disciplinary hearings;
- Attendance and advocacy at expulsion hearings;
- Support at Juvenile Court Hearings; and
- Attending school-based mediation.
The Office of Safe Schools Advocate is to prepare an annual report regarding the activities of the Office during the prior fiscal year and suggest recommendations for remedial legislation, regulations or school district administrative reforms. The following Table of Contents provides links to the areas of importance or report.