Violence Threat/Risk Assessment

(VTRA) Stage I Report FormSecond Edition, 2011

To guide the VTRA Stage I team members through the initial process of data collectionTo Assist the VTRA Stage II team to understand what initial data was gathered. Through this data, directions for further data gathering may be determined.To assist or guide the VTRA Stage III component in the development and implementation of a comprehensive multidisciplinary intervention, and to pre-determine a follow-up date for case review.

The Report form provides a list (not a complete list) of Violence/Threat Making BehavioursAlso identifies/reminds the team of the three primary hypotheses in VTRAThis helps to get the team into the proper frame of mind when discussing Worrisome Behaviors that have come to their attention.(Pg. 3 – Report Form)

Reminders: Pre-Interview considerations Asses the Threat, not the Threat Maker

(Pg. 3 – Report Form)

Step I: Locate and secure, if possible, the threat maker

and target(s) implement any immediate risk reducing

procedures Do not allow students of interest any access to

lockers, backpacks, etc. Determine if the threat maker has immediate

access to means.(Pg. 4– Report Form)

Step II: Administrators, if possible, check the locker,

backpack, etc.

(Pg. 4 – Report Form)

Step III: Call the trained VTRA police member

Share initial data and police will determine if a history of weapons possession, use, or violence is noted in police accessible records

(Pg. 4 – Report Form)

Step IV: School Administrator will notify the

District/Divisional VTRA Team contact of the Stage I Team activation.

(Pg. 4 – Report Form)

Step V: Principal (V.P.) and VTRA Police member, in

collaboration with the counseling member will determine who will strategically interview sources of data including all participants directly and indirectly involved as well as “hard” data collection.

(Pg. 4 – Report Form)

Step VI: The Semi-Structured Interview Format

Series of questions previously mentioned in the protocol section of the training.

(Pg. 5 – 13, – Report Form)

Step VII: Notify the Threat Maker(s) and Target(s) Parent(s)

or Guardian(s) at the earliest opportunity.

(Pg. 14 – Report Form)

Step VIII: Contact other agencies to determine if they are in

possession of any other pertinent information that in conjunction with the Stage I Data collected, requires them to disclose to the VTRA

(Pg. 14 – Report Form)

Step IX: Collate the data and discuss all relevant information

regarding the student. As a team, ask the question:

“To what extent does the student pose a threat to school/student safety?”

“Does the student pose a threat to himself/herself or someone outside the school (i.e. family)?”

Determine Level of Concern, or Risk to Target(s) and/or Self

(Pg. 15 – Report Form)

Levels of Concern/RiskLow:Risk to the target(s), students, staff, and school safety is minimal

Medium:The threat could be carried out, although it may not appear entirely realistic. Violent action is possible.

High:The threat or situation of concern appears to pose an imminent and serious danger to the safety of others.

(Pg. 15 – Report Form)

Step X: Decide on a Course of Action

(Pg. 16 – Report Form)

Step XI:Develop a Stage I Intervention Plan

Determine if Stage II Risk Evaluation and Longer Term Treatment Planning is Required

Decide on a date to come back together to review the case

(Pg. 17 – Report Form)

Violence Threat/Risk Assessment

(VTRA) Stage I Report FormSecond Edition, 2011