Threat Management

For a Safe and Caring School

By Stephen Goss School Operations Services Edmonton Catholic Schools

Newswatch

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A School Threat Management Protocol

The Vision
A Community Responsibility

Violence prevention in our schools is a community responsibility!

The principle
A Common Goal We agree to work together to reduce violence, manage threats, and to promote individual and school safety!

Key approaches
Risk/Threat assessment

1. Sharing of Relevant Information - To avert or minimize imminent risk of violence 2. Investigative Mind-set - Thoughtful probing, professional objectivity 3. Building Capacity - Train the trainer approach 4. Program Review - Accountability/Monitoring/Improving Practice 5. Contact List - Updated list of Threat Assessment Partners

Threat assessment response

Three Stages
Stage 1: Data Collection and Immediate Risk-reducing Interventions Stage 2: Multidisciplinary Risk Evaluation (using formal, structured professional instruments) Stage 3: Multidisciplinary Intervention (mental health professionals, child protection agencies, law enforcement personnel, school counselors, teachers, parents, and others)

*These 3 Stages promote understanding that some individuals may not pose a risk for general violence, yet may be moving rapidly on a pathway of violence.

Activation of Threat assessment Teams

School and Community Teams
School Threat Assessment Team -Will consist of the school administrators, school counseling services personnel, and the School Resource Officer (SRO) (all of whom will have had Threat Management Training) Community Threat Assessment Team - When the threat posed is of a medium or high level of concern this team will be activated. This team will consist of members of the School Assessment Team, School Operations Services (SOS), and appropriate community partners such as police, Child Services, etc.

roles
Responsibilities
School Principal - School Threat Assessment Team leader - Coordinates intervention/management plans - Recommends to the Superintendent the activation of the Community Threat Assessment Team

Guidance Counselor/Teacher/Other staff member - Assists in data gathering -Helps families obtain needed School Operations Servicesassistance (SOS)
- Contact Community Threat Assessment Team members - follow-up on recommended intervention/management plans

roles
Responsibilities
Community Partner Staff -Have an appropriate staff member participate -Participate in developing any recommended intervention/management plans SRO (School Resource Officer) -Be involved in the School Threat Assessment Team - investigate whether a crime has been committed, and if charges are appropriate - Conduct a police investigation

Information-sharing
The Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (FOIP)

*Please Note: Legislation allows the release of personal information if there is imminent threat to health and safety, but always be aware of the workings of the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act as well a District Policies and Regulations!

For more info

Contact Stephen Goss School Operations Services Edmonton Catholic Schools