In order to continue to progress and expand the knowledge of behavioral threat assessment teams, the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) is pleased to announce Advanced (Applied) K-12 Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management in Schools: Special Issues and Applications Workshop.
Professionals from Virginia schools have been actively engaged in threat assessment and management programs since 2013, when the Virginia General Assembly enacted legislation requiring all public schools to implement and operate threat assessment teams. Since then, the DCJS Virginia Center for School and Campus Safety has provided dozens of basic training sessions to support school threat assessment teams. As threat assessment team members have completed those training opportunities and become more experienced, they have regularly requested additional training opportunities to enhance their knowledge and skills related to the practice of threat management in an educational setting.
This workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to:
1. Learn and engage on a range of topics not covered in foundational training workshops.The training topics for this workshop are:
a. Threat Assessment Interviewing: Considerations in Planning and Approach
b. Stalking and Domestic/Dating Violence
c. Maximizing Mental Health Violence Risk Assessments to Supplement the BTAM Process
2. Practice application of skills and lessons learned through small group work on case scenarios. These case scenarios will include at least one elementary or secondary level subject of concern (or both, time permitting) as well as an adult subject of concern.
The workshop is appropriate for members of school threat assessment teams including school administrators, student services personnel, teachers, counseling and mental health professionals, human resource personnel, attorneys, and law enforcement and security personnel; as well as staff from regional community mental health and law enforcement agencies that may be involved in school threat management efforts.
**The workshop is intended for those who have completed the basic threat assessment training course through DCJS or their school division**
Law enforcement and school/campus security officers will receive partial in-service credit hours for this training.
Meals and lodging, if applicable, will be the responsibility of the participant.
Check in for training will begin 30 minutes prior to start time.
Start times vary depending on location. See individual session dates below for exact time.
There is no cost to the participant to attend this course. Preregistration is required.
Please note that the DCJS registration system does not have the capacity to sort eligible from ineligible registrants. Therefore, anyone who registers will receive a confirmation. It is the responsibility of the DCJS assigned course director to review the roster and make a final determination on acceptance into the course. Registrants not accepted will be notified via the email address provided during registration.
Participants must complete a COVID waiver prior to entry into the training site. Participants must also abide by the site's requirements. State guidelines no longer mandate masks to be worn indoors by vaccinated individuals, however, the training location could require more restrictive mask and social distancing guidelines. Please come prepared by bringing a mask. Social distancing is encouraged as determined by CDC guidelines.
PLEASE NOTE: DCJS is preparing and planning to continue holding training sessions and conferences after a resumption of normal activities. Every effort will be made to hold this scheduled training, however, due to the uncertainty of the progression of the COVID-19, this training may require rescheduling. You will be notified by email if this training is rescheduled. We appreciate your flexibility and understanding.
Brad StangThreat Assessment Program Coordinator(804) 997-1278brad.stang@dcjs.virginia.gov