Resources for Parent/Guardian Communications
Adults should be aware that a child could discover a gun when a parent or another adult is not present. This could happen in the child's own home; the home of a neighbor, friend or relative; or in a public place such as a school or park. If this should happen, a child should know the following rules and be taught to practice them.
Stop
The first rule for a child to follow if he/she finds or sees a gun is to stop what he/she is doing.
Don't Touch!
The second rule is for a child not to touch a gun he/she finds or sees. A child may think the best thing to do if he/she finds a gun is to pick it up and take it to an adult. A child needs to know he/she should NEVER touch a gun he/she may find or see.
Leave the Area (Get Away)
The third rule is to immediately leave the area. This would include never taking a gun away from another child or trying to stop someone from using gun.
Tell an Adult
The last rule is for a child to tell an adult about the gun he/she has seen. This includes times when other kids are playing with or shooting a gun. Please note that, while there is no better advice at this time for children or adolescents who encounter a gun by happenstance, the California Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians reports that such warnings alone may be insufficient accident prevention measures with children and adolescents.
** from California Office of the District Attorney's Firearm Safety webpage: oag.ca.gov/firearms/tips#rules%20for%20kids
A GVRO is a court ordered civil procedure that temporarily removes and prevents the purchase of firearms and ammunition from a person who is a danger to themselves or others.
Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVRO)
Family members, teachers and school employees are designated GVRO petitioners. A short 30-45 minute training, sponsored by the Marin Gun Safety Collaborative and Brady, is available to help you understand what, when and how to use a GVRO to prevent a tragedy.
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Marin County Suicide Prevention Collaborative
The Marin County Suicide Prevention Collaborative launched in August 2020 following the approval of the very first Marin County Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan. The Collaborative is comprised of public and private agencies and individuals that pursue a socio-ecological model in the prevention and intervention of suicide across the life span. The Collaborative advances the strategic plan with the leadership of Community Action Teams addressing: Lethal means, (guns, substances, rail/transit, and bridge patrol), Data, Schools, Training and Education, Postvention and Communication for the prevention of suicide. The Collaborative meets the first Wednesday of each month at 2 pm.
To attend a meeting or join a Community Action Team, please contact: BHRSpreventionandoutreach@marincounty.org