Based on the premise that violence prevention is possible and that behaviors are often observed before harm occurs, District 90 has established Behavioral Threat Assessment protocols (BTA) as part of its school safety efforts. The protocols represent a systematic process designed to prevent school violence and support individuals’ mental health and wellness. With the support of the River Forest Police Department, the BTA protocols help to promote a safe school culture, address social-emotional needs, and work to keep others safe when a situation merits direct intervention.
While various circumstances might benefit from social-emotional support or intervention, behavioral threats represent a fundamentally different set of concerns. Observed or reported behaviors requiring behavioral threat assessment include:
· Engaging in threatening or violent behavior
· Intending to harm self or others
· Engaging in criminal behaviors
· Bringing a weapon to school
· Ongoing patterns of bullying or harassing others
While our hope is that the need for this resource will be limited, the Behavioral Threat Assessment protocols are designed to facilitate all members of the school community to share safety concerns efficiently. Additional information about how families and community members can confidentially report school-based safety concerns will be forthcoming.
Please contact a school administrator at any time if you become aware of concerning behavior exhibited by an individual in our school community. Administrators will receive your concern confidentially and will collaborate with the D90 BTA Team to intercede, investigate, and support as circumstances necessitate.