I. Policy Statement
Educators, parents and other stakeholders in public education all have the obligation and duty to ensure that school is a safe and supportive learning environment for all students in order that they may progress academically and developmentally. In order to achieve this end, the School Department shall adopt written policies for the establishment of threat assessment teams, including the assessment of and intervention with individuals whose behavior may pose a threat to the safety of school staff or students.
II. Legal Authority
Rhode Island General Laws § 16-21-23.2 mandates that each School Committee shall adopt written policies for the establishment of threat assessment teams, including the assessment of and intervention with individuals whose behavior may pose a threat to the safety of school staff or students consistent with the model policies created by the school’s safety committee. The policy must include procedures for referrals to community services or health care providers for evaluation when or treatment when appropriate.
III. District Protocol
The School District shall abide by the following protocol in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 16-21-32.2.
A. The Superintendent of Schools shall create establish a District Committee charged with the oversight of threat assessment teams operating within the District. The Committee shall include individuals with expertise in guidance, counseling, school administration, mental health and law enforcement.
B. The District Committee overseeing threat assessment teams shall perform the following functions:
Provide guidance to students, faculty, and staff regarding recognition of threatening or aberrant behavior that may represent a threat to the community, school, or self.
Identify members of the school community to whom threatening behavior should be reported.
Implement policies adopted by the School Committee.
Upon preliminary determination that a student poses a threat of violence or physical harm to self or others, the threat assessment team shall immediately report its determination to the district superintendent or designee. The building administrator or designee may, if appropriate, attempt to notify the student’s parent or legal guardian. The District shall take immediate action to address an imminent threat as necessary.
After the threat assessment team has determined that a student poses a threat of violence or physical harm to self or others, the student shall be referred to a service provider or health care provider for evaluation and/or treatment when the team determines said referral is necessary.
No member of the threat assessment team shall disclose any information obtained pursuant to their work associated with the threat assessment teams or otherwise use any record of an individual beyond the purpose for which such disclosure was made to the threat assessment team.
IV. Evaluation and Review
This policy shall be reviewed and updated on a regular basis, and shall be automatically amended to conform to amendments and changes in applicable state and federal laws, rules and regulations.
Adopted Date:
12/10/2019