CHAPTER 8.00 - AUXILIARY SERVICES

8.014 Threat Assessment Teams

POLICY:

Threat assessment teams will be established at each school whose duties include the coordination of resources, assessment, and intervention with individuals whose behavior may pose a threat to the safety of school staff or students consistent with the model policies developed by the FLDOE Office of Safe Schools. Such policies shall include procedures for referrals to mental health services identified by the school district pursuant to s.1012.584(4), when appropriate. The threat assessment team shall include persons with expertise in counseling, instruction, school administration, and law enforcement. The threat assessment teams shall identify members of the school community to whom threatening behavior should be reported and provide guidance to students, faculty, and staff regarding recognition of threatening or aberrant behavior that may represent a threat to the community, school, or self. 

Upon a preliminary determination that a student poses a threat of violence or physical harm to himself or herself or others, a threat assessment team shall immediately report its determination to the superintendent or his or her designee. The superintendent or his or her designee shall immediately attempt to notify the student’s parent or legal guardian. Nothing in this subsection shall preclude school district personnel from acting immediately to address an imminent threat. Upon a preliminary determination by the threat assessment team that a student poses a threat of violence to himself, herself, or others or exhibits significantly disruptive behavior or need for assistance, the threat assessment team may obtain criminal history record information, as provided in s. 985.047. 

If an immediate mental health or substance abuse crisis is suspected, school personnel shall follow policies established by the threat assessment team to engage behavioral health crisis resources. Behavioral health crisis resources, including, but not limited to, mobile crisis teams and school resource officers trained in crisis intervention, shall provide emergency intervention and assessment, make recommendations, and refer the student for appropriate services. Onsite school personnel shall report all such situations and actions taken to the threat assessment team, which shall contact the other agencies involved with the student and any known service providers to share information and coordinate any necessary follow-up actions.

STATUTORY AUTHORITY : 1001.41, 1001.42, F.S. 

LAWS IMPLEMENTED: 1006.12; 1006.1493, F.S. 

History: Adopted: June 25, 2019 

Revision Date(s): 

Formerly: