Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management (BTAM)

At BSD, the safety and well-being of our students, staff and families is our top priority. We understand that conversations about school safety can be emotionally difficult, and we approach this work with care, compassion and a trauma-informed lens.

To guide our efforts, we use the nationally recognized, peer-reviewed Salem-Keizer Cascade Model, developed by school psychologist John Van Dreal. This model is grounded in research and best practices, and is recommended by the U.S. Department of Education, U.S. Department of Justice, Oregon Department of Education and other leading safety organizations. It emphasizes early intervention, collaboration and thoughtful management of potential threats.

What is a Threat Assessment?

A threat assessment is a structured process used to evaluate concerning behaviors or communications that may indicate someone is planning to cause harm. It focuses on understanding the situation, the individuals involved and the context — not just the behavior itself.

This process helps us:

• Assess risk and determine appropriate interventions.
• Mobilize school and community resources to support students and families.
• Create safety plans that protect everyone while keeping students connected to learning.

Trauma-Informed & Collaborative Approach

Our teams are trained to respond in ways that prioritize psychological safety. We recognize that students may be struggling with stress, trauma or other challenges, and we work to understand the fuller picture before making decisions.

Threat assessments are conducted at two levels:

• Level 1: Led by school-based teams including administrators, counselors, Youth Services Officers (YSO) and other trained staff.
• Level 2: Involves district-level experts and community partners such as law enforcement, mental health professionals and child welfare agencies.

If a student returns to school following an assessment, a personalized safety plan is developed by the multi-disciplinary team to ensure the safety and support of all involved.

Reporting Concerns

We encourage students, families and community members to speak up if they see or hear something concerning. Reporting is an act of care, not betrayal. Examples of concerns include:

• Plans or threats of violence.
• Possession of weapons.
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors.
• Sexual aggression.

Reports can be made to school staff, administrators or anonymously through the SafeOregon tip line. If there is an immediate danger, call 911.

Why It Matters

Our system is designed to be:

• Collaborative: Involving multiple disciplines and agencies.
• Responsive: Designed to act quickly and thoughtfully.
• Supportive: Focused on keeping students safe and connected.
• Transparent: Grounded in clear language and shared responsibility.
• Restorative: Centered on healing, accountability and reintegration.

By working together, we can create a school environment where every student feels safe, supported and ready to learn.