Latosha Mitchelle, a violence prevention specialist with ICARE, joined the Crime Stoppers segment to explain how the program works to reduce harm and promote safer environments for students and families across East Baton Rouge Parish. She said violence prevention centers on recognizing risk factors early and using education to help individuals build self-regulation skills.
Mitchell noted that ICARE’s strength comes from its multidisciplinary team, which includes professionals with backgrounds in medicine, social work, and education. The program provides prevention education through individual sessions, small-group instruction, and classroom lessons for students from pre-K through 12th grade. She added that ICARE operates solely in East Baton Rouge, which gives the team a close connection to the community it serves.
Misconceptions about violence prevention often come from assumptions that crime happens only in certain places or among specific groups, Mitchell said. Domestic violence appears frequently in Crime Stoppers bulletins, underscoring how widespread the issue is.
Mitchell explained that early warning signs of violence can include past behavior patterns, mental health concerns, and unresolved trauma. ICARE helps students identify trusted adults on campus and understand how to manage emotions through self-regulation and conflict-resolution practices. She said practicing these skills through scenarios helps students apply them when real situations arise.
In the community, ICARE works with partners, including law enforcement, to give students hands-on experiences and exposure to available services. Mitchell emphasized that collaboration helps address the root causes of violence by connecting families to resources and reinforcing healthy communication.
For those interested in supporting the program, Mitchell pointed to a simple first step: search “ICARE EBR” online. She closed with a reminder central to ICARE’s message — if you see something, say something.