Practical Challenges of Behavioral Threat Assessment: From Compliance to Prevention

The need for strong behavioral threat assessment programs supported by well-trained teams is evident now more than ever. However, it’s easier said than done. As we plan for the start of a new school year, now is the time to fill any gaps, ramp up the resources and get very clear on how we are going to identify and manage students who will need the support of our behavioral threat assessment teams.

Summary

As students carry the lasting effects of the pandemic, we know the impact on their mental wellbeing is significant, and the path to violence may be short. Listen to William Durgin, threat assessment manager at Palm Beach School District, and Dewey Cornell, Ph.D., as they discuss the practical implications of building and nurturing an effective threat assessment program. From meeting compliance requirements to training and fidelity, we cover all the bases.

Key takeaways:

• Know the key components of compliance, including detailed documentation of individuals trained in BTA
• Learn how to collaborate appropriately with the law enforcement members of your behavioral threat assessment team
• Gain insights from the creator of the CSTAG methodology about how your teams can advance efforts to support students before violence becomes a potential answer
• Understand how to effectively and efficiently train teams so your program operates consistently and with fidelity