New model provides K-12 schools with structured framework to identify concerning behaviors and intervene before violence occurs

 

(ATLANTA) – The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency (GEMA/HS) is rolling out its Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) model, providing public and private K-12 schools across Georgia with a structured framework to identify, assess and manage concerning behaviors before they potentially escalate to violence.

The model is designed to give schools practical guidance they can use to develop and implement their own behavioral threat assessment and management processes. It focuses on early identification and intervention while encouraging schools to utilize resources and partnerships already available within their communities.

“This model is about giving schools a process they can actually take back to their communities, develop and implement,” said Dave Shanks, GEMA/HS Targeted Violence Prevention Homeland Security Coordinator, who leads the agency’s BTAM courses. “The goal is to identify concerning behaviors as early as possible, assess what is happening and connect individuals with the appropriate resources before those concerns escalate.”

Development of the model began approximately six years ago when GEMA/HS recognized a need for a more systematic approach to help Georgia schools identify and manage individuals exhibiting concerning behaviors or potentially progressing along a pathway toward violence.

GEMA/HS researched federal guidance and approaches being implemented in other states and worked with subject matter experts to develop a process specifically suited for Georgia’s K-12 school environment. Agency personnel received extensive specialized training and attended conferences, seminars and other training opportunities to develop their expertise in behavioral threat assessment and management.

In 2022, GEMA/HS established a trainer program to expand the agency’s ability to provide BTAM instruction to schools throughout the state.

Several Georgia school systems have already participated in GEMA/HS BTAM training and have reported successful interventions involving individuals who exhibited concerning behaviors associated with a potential pathway toward violence. Through early identification, assessment and intervention, schools were able to divert those individuals from that pathway and connect them with appropriate resources.

The formal rollout of the BTAM model builds upon those training efforts by providing schools with a structured process they can use to establish and sustain their own programs. The approach also encourages schools to identify and incorporate existing student and employee welfare programs and other resources within their schools and communities.

The ultimate goal is to enhance the health, safety, and wellbeing of our schools and communities. We want to help schools move beyond simply responding to threats after they occur and instead build the capacity to recognize concerning behaviors earlier, assess situations systematically and intervene when opportunities for prevention still exist.

For more information about BTAM and to request this training, visit gema.georgia.gov/school-safety-training or email [email protected].

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As part of the Office of the Governor, the Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency collaborates with local, state and federal governments in partnership with private sector and non-governmental organizations to protect life and property against man-made and natural emergencies. GEMA/HS’s Ready Georgia website and preparedness campaign provides Georgians with the knowledge needed to effectively prepare for disasters. Go to gema.georgia.gov/plan-prepare/ready-georgia for information on developing a custom emergency plan and Ready kit.