opens up Where THE WORLD Welcome to Violence/Threat Risk Assessment Overview & Case Study Spring 2014

vision Parkland School Division is a place where exploration, creativity and imagination make learning exciting and where all learners aspire to reach their dreams. VISION

mission Our purpose is to prepare, engage and inspire our students to be their best in a quickly changing global community. MISSION

Agenda What is VTRA? When to activate VTRA? The School Based VTRA Team VTRA Process Overview VTRA – What is Really Is Case Study – Luke Woodham Q & A

What is VTRA? VTRA is the abbreviation for Violence/Threat Risk Assessment. VTRA is a process to examine incidents of youth violence or threat making behavior. The intention is view the student as in need of intervention rather than to be disciplined. As part of the VTRA process an intervention plan is developed which may include disciplinary action but will include appropriate supports to aid the student in developing and using positive strategies. Those leading the process must be trained by the Canadian Center for Threat Assessment and Trauma Response.

When to Activate VTRA Examples of high-risk behaviors addressed include but are not limited to: – Serious violence or violence with the intent to harm or kill – Verbal/written threats to kill others (clear, direct, plausible) – Internet, web site, social media threats to kill others – Possession of weapons (including replicas) – Bomb threats (making and/or detonating explosive devices) – Fire setting – Sexual intimidation or assault – Gang related intimidation and violence

VTRA Team Members – Stage 1 Your School Based Team – Admin – VTRA trained – Support – Counsellor, IEL… RCMP VTRA Contact

VTRA Process Overview Incident – Risk Reduction Activate Stage 1 – Contact RCMP VTRA Member – Notify Division VTRA Contact (tracking incidents) – Data Collection – Parent Notification – Reporting/Documenting – Determination of Risk – Decide on a Course of Action – Intervention Plan or… Activate Stage 2 – Division VTRA Contact coordinates an interagency, multi- dimensional assessment and intervention plan.

VTRA – What it really is. There are 3 hypotheses for youth violence 1.It a conscious or an unconscious “Cry for Help” 2.Conspiracy of two or more. 3.Fluidity (suicidal and/or homicidal ideation)? No matter which it is, there is likely… – Mental health concern – Social and/or emotional concern – Need for developing coping strategies

VTRA Is Early Intervention Which is quite possibly prevention.

The Chalkboard PSD Chalkboard Basic description of the process for information. Document library. – Stage 1 Process and Report – Stage 2 Process and Report – VTRA Intervention Plan – VTRA Consent Form – Baseline Monitoring

Case Study Luke Woodham – Pearl, Mississippi on October 1, 1997 At your tables, identify as A’s or B’s. As you watch the video… – A’s – Look for events/factors that a teacher could have followed up with in some way. – B’s – Look for events/factors that a peer would have likely known and could have reported. There are graphic scenes in the video.

Possible Intervention Points TeacherPeers 1.Antagonistic relationship w football players (socially superior) 1.Demanding, critical mother 2.Parents are split up2.Is called names by peers at school 3.Brother exits when parents split3.Bullies other students 4.Not popular at school4.Mom chaperones his dates 5.Becomes rebellious arrogant in class5.Mom humiliates in front of friends 6.Violent behavior develops6.Peer conversations about school shootings 7.Girlfriend breaks up with him7.Sparkles – bludgeons and burns him 8.Changes peers to a group involved in concerning activities – occult, etc. 8.Tells his friends he wishes ex- girlfriend dead ?- Diary entry – contempt and hate - Suicidal thoughts

What Are The Key Messages?

Creating a Culture of Responsible Reporting Students need to believe – They will be believed when they confide. – Their identity will be kept confidential. – Their information will be acted upon promptly. – Their concern will be investigated thoroughly.

Enjoy the rest of your day!