Threat Assessment - Arlington Public Schools

Arlington Public Schools has created a central threat assessment team representative of school based administrators and instructors, human resources, safety, security, risk and emergency management professionals, behavior and mental health professionals, and law enforcement. The focus of the team is to provide an assessment and intervention with students and employees whose behavior may pose a threat to the safety of school staff or students consistent with the Department of Criminal Justice Services model guidelines.

What is Threat Assessment?

Threat assessment is an approach to violence prevention that focuses on behavior and communication of threats and other forms of conflict before escalation. A problem solving methodology is used to evaluate the risk of violence posed by someone and an individual intervention is developed to resolve the issues that exist and may have caused the concerning behavior or communication.

Threat Assessment Process

Identifying and Reporting Threats: Students, families, employees and visitors who identify a threat are to report the behavior to a school based administrator (e.g., principal or assistant principal), division administrator (e.g., emergency manager, human resources, etc…), or a school resource officer.
Initial Review and Conversation: After the threat has been identified the school administrator or division administrator will conduct an initial conversation with the individual if there is no concern that the individual is an imminent harm to others.
Threat Assessment Triage: Two members of the school threat assessment triage team will review the initial report of concerning behavior and determine whether the entire threat assessment team should meet on the report using the division’s threat assessment guidelines.
Threat Assessment Monitoring/Intervention: If the threat assessment triage determines that the threat is easily and readily resolved the report is referred back to the school/department. If the threat assessment triage determines that the resolution of the report is more involved and requires further review the entire team will review the case and any records associated with resolution as needed.

Behavioral Threat Assessment Resource Toolkits

Behavioral Threat Assessment Resource Toolkit for K-12 Virginia Parents

K-12 Threat Assessment Overview in Virginia

FAQs for K-12 Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management

The Value of Threat Assessment Teams

What Threat Assessment Is and Is Not

Behavioral Threat Assessment Resource Toolkit for K-12 Virginia Schools

Threat Assessment Model Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines

Essential Elements: School Threat Assessment and Management Model Policies and Procedures

Information Sharing Guide for K-12 Public Schools

Training - Youth Violence Project

Arlington Public Schools has partnered with the Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia’s Youth Violence Project to provide free threat assessment training for students and parents. Threat assessment is a national standard for school safety programs that help students, families, employees and visitors understand the threat assessment process, and to provide guidance regarding recognition of threatening or aberrant behavior that may represent a threat to the community, school or self. Participating in the program is completely anonymous and voluntary.

This training program is designed for all students ages 12 and up and parents of all students in Arlington Public Schools. We encourage parents to be available to discuss questions your student may have after viewing the program. The 15-minute program is a way to learn about the threat assessment process Arlington Public Schools will use and how it can prevent violence.

The Youth Violence Project of the Curry School of Education, University of Virginia, is provided in collaboration with the Department of Criminal Justice Services and the Virginia Department of Education. It is supported by Grant #NIJ 2014-CK-BX-004 awarded by the National Institute of Justice, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. Dr. Dewey Cornell is the project’s principal investigator and Dr. Jennifer Maeng is the project director. Inquiries into the project can be directed to [email protected].

Parent Training Program
The parent program can be accessed via the Youth Violence Project YouTube Channel and is available in English and Spanish
Student Training Program
The student program can be accessed via the Youth Violence Project YouTube Channel and is available in English and Spanish
Employee Training Program
The employee program can be accessed via the Youth Violence Project YouTube Channel the program for school staff is accompanied by a review of School Threat Assessment as a Fair and Equitable School Safety Response
School Safety and Threat Assessment Team Program
The school safety and threat assessment team program is compromised of Part 1: Basics (15 minutes), Part 2: Discipline and Research (15 minutes), and Part 3: Case Management (25 minutes). All three parts are available in a consolidated playlist.

Training - Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety

Created in 2000, the Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety (VCSCS), located within the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services, focuses on improving and enhancing safety by addressing topics which affect Virginia law enforcement, schools, and institutions of higher education. The VCSCS supports Arlington Public Schools through training, with resources and technical assistance, and by guiding best practices.

The VCSCS has produced audience specific threat assessment awareness videos for:

Arlington Public Schools staff in the office of Safety, Security, & Emergency Management have completed the VCSCS Train-the-Trainer Program and are authorized to instruct the Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management in Virginia K-12 Public Schools curriculum. If you are interested in this 4-hour training, please contact the Arlington Public Schools Threat Assessment Specialist.

VDOE Parent & Caregiver Resources

Parent & Caregiver Resources for Self-Harm, Suicide, & Violence Prevention

Safety Resources and Guides for Parents and Caregivers

Guides for Limiting Access

Tools for Building Connection & Coping Skills

Phrases for Validating Your Child: Validating a child’s emotions helps them feel seen, heard, and supported which builds emotional intelligence, trust, and resilience. Here are several helpful phrases parents can use during difficult conversations with their children.
Meaningful Questions to Connect with Your Child Daily: This resource has questions designed to spark deeper conversations and provide greater insight into your child’s emotional and social experiences.
Coping Toolbox (Childline): A free, engaging online resource where children and teens can explore interactive tools; like a “Coping Kit,” “Build Your Happy Place,” art activities, games, and videos. Each activity is designed to help young people manage difficult feelings, stress, bullying, anxiety, and more. Parents can encourage their kids to use the Toolbox to build resilience, express emotions, and learn practical coping strategies in a safe, private space.

Additional Access to Lethal Means Resources

Lock and Talk Virginia: Information for families on how to identify the signs of a mental health crisis in their loved ones, and what resources are available to help; including a map of local community service boards.
Understanding Gun Safety (Project Childsafe): Project ChildSafe offers free educational resources to demonstrate the importance of firearm safety and to encourage the promotion and the practice of responsible firearm ownership.
Center for Gun Violence Solutions (Johns Hopkins): The Center for Gun Violence Solutions at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health addresses gun violence as a public health emergency and utilizes objective, non-partisan research to develop solutions that inform, fuel, and propel advocacy to measurably lower gun violence.
Understanding Youth Mental Health and Preventing Unauthorized Access to Firearms: The National Shooting Sports Foundation (NSSF) and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) developed this guide to address firearm safety, suicide prevention, and safeguarding mental health. This resource is for parents to learn more about mental health, how to recognize if their children need help and what to do if the warning signs for suicide or other concerning behaviors are there.

Additional Self-Harm Prevention Resources

Help for Cutting and Other Self-Injury (Child Mind Institute): this article is written for caregivers on how to support children who are intentionally hurting themselves, often by cutting or scratching their skin, as a way to manage difficult emotions.
Self-Injury and Recovery, Information for Parents (Cornell Research Program): This resource offers a comprehensive guide for parents navigating the challenges of supporting a child who engages in self-injury. This resource provides insights into recognizing signs of self-injury, understanding the emotional responses parents may experience, and effective communication strategies to foster a supportive environment for healing.
Self-Harm Guide for Parents (Young Minds): This comprehensive guide for parents navigating the complexities of self-harm in young people. The resource covers key topics such as recognizing signs of self-harm, understanding underlying causes, and providing strategies to support your child, including how to engage in open conversations and seek professional help when needed.

Additional Suicide Prevention Resources

What to do if You’re Worried About Suicide (Child Mind Institute): This article offers parents and caregivers essential guidance on supporting a child who may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. It emphasizes the importance of open, empathetic communication, seeking professional help, and taking immediate action if there’s a risk of harm, including contacting emergency services.
Suicide Prevention: 12 Things Parents Can Do (American Academy of Pediatrics): This guide for parents on preventing youth suicide emphasizes the importance of recognizing warning signs, fostering open communication, and creating a supportive environment, while also providing resources for immediate help and professional support.
Helping Your Loved One Who is Suicidal (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration): This guide is designed to help families who have a loved one who is suicidal or has made a suicide attempt. It provides information on understanding suicide, warning signs, and action steps to take. Additionally, it provides guidance on how to prevent future attempts and keep your loved one safe.
A Journey Toward Health and Hope: Your Handbook for Recovery After a Suicide Attempt (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration): This resource guides people through the first steps toward recovery and a hopeful future after a suicide attempt. It includes personal stories from survivors, and strategies for recovery, such as re-establishing connections and finding a counselor.
Suicide is Different: Providing support for suicide caregivers, Suicide Is Different, offers a variety of resources and tools to help you assist loved ones who may be struggling with suicide.

Additional Violence Prevention Resources

Warning signs of youth violence (American Psychological Association): This comprehensive resource helps parents recognize early warning signs of youth violence, including sudden behavioral changes, withdrawal, or expressions of hopelessness. By understanding these indicators, parents can take proactive steps to support their child’s mental health and seek appropriate interventions.
Understanding Violent Behavior in Children and Adolescents (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry): This guide offers parents essential information on identifying and addressing violent behaviors in youth. It outlines risk factors such as exposure to violence, substance use, and family stressors, and emphasizes the importance of early intervention through professional evaluation and treatment to help children manage anger and develop healthier coping mechanisms.
The Risk of Violent and Homicidal Behavior in Children (The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress): This resource provides information on risk factors contributing to violent and homicidal behavior in children. It provides guidance for parents on recognizing early warning signs and understanding the underlying causes of such behaviors, aiming to promote early intervention and support for affected children.

Report a Threat Anonymously

Please report any school safety issues, such as threats, dangerous rumors, drug use, theft, harassment, gang activities, weapons in a facility, and vandalism to a school administrator or security professional.

Please use this form to report concerns with school safety, security, and emergency management with Arlington Public Schools.

Reports can be submitted anonymously, however Arlington Public Schools prefers to follow up with individuals who report concerns directly to discuss questions about the concern and provide resolutions.

Online Anonymous Reporting Form

The APS community is invited to share any information about concerns they have for their safety or the safety of anyone else. The APS tip line provides an additional option for both anonymous and confidential reporting.

To leave a message, call 703-228-2997. Callers will be connected directly to a voicemail box where callers can leave an anonymous tip that will be reviewed by SSEM.

During business hours, callers can press “0” to skip the voicemail box and be connected with threat assessment personnel if they prefer to speak with a person confidentially instead of leaving a recorded message.

Confidential Reporting Tip Line – 703-228-2997

Ok2SpeakOut

It’s up to you!

Speak Out.

If you have concerns about someone making threats of violence or demonstrating concerning behavior, please do the following: If it is an emergency, contact 911 immediately or, if it is not an emergency, you can speak with the following people in your school community:

Administrator
School Counselor
School Safety Coordinator
Teacher
Another Trusted Adult or Staff Member in Your School
Parent or Guardian

Thank you for speaking out and keeping your school community safe!

Not Sure What to Report?

What is Aberrant or Threatening Behavior and How Should a Report be Made?

The Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety K-12 Threat Assessment in Virginia Overview provides this guidance:

Where an immediate threat to life or physical safety exists reports must result in an immediate notification to law enforcement.

Aberrant behavior is that which is atypical for the person or situation and causes concern for the safety or well-being of those involved. Aberrant behavior for an individual involves out-of-character responses or actions which could lead to violence. These can include:

• Unusual social distancing or isolation of individuals from peers and family members;

• Sullen or depressed behavior from an otherwise friendly and positive person;

• Out of context outbursts of verbal or physical aggression;

• Increased levels of agitation, frustration, and anger;

• Confrontational, accusatory, or blaming behavior;

• An unusual interest in weapons; and

• Fixation on violence as a means of addressing a grievance.

If an individual exhibits out of character behaviors, witnesses should seek to respond in a reasonable, fair, timely, and systematic manner to help teams to identify signs that a person may be on a pathway to violence, ensuring that appropriate measures are taken before violence occurs. Concerns should be shared with someone on the school’s threat assessment team. If team members are not known, concerns should be shared with a school administrator, teacher, and/or school safety personnel.

Sandy Hook Promise 10 Warning Signs of Violence

Sandy Hook Promise is a national nonprofit organization founded with the mission to educate and empower youth and adults to prevent violence in schools, homes, and communities.

Their 10 Critical Warning Signs of Violence includes:

1. Suddenly withdrawing from friends, family and activities (including online or via social media)

2. Bullying, especially if targeted towards differences in race, religion, gender or sexual orientation

3. Excessive irritability, lack of patience, or becoming angry quickly

4. Experiencing chronic loneliness or social isolation

5. Expressing persistent thoughts of harming themselves or someone else

6. Making direct threats toward a place, another person, or themselves

7. Bragging about access to guns or weapons

8. Recruiting accomplices or audiences for an attack

9. Obsession with online violent content, mass shooters, or weapons

10. Cruelty to animals

Prefer Not to Report Here?

It’s more important that you say something than that you say it to us. If you would prefer to report concerning behavior to someone else, please consider these options: