Threat Assessment

Salem-Keizer, Cascade Threat Assessment System

To comply with RCW 28A.320.123, the WA Educational Service Districts and Wenatchee School District have adopted the OSPI-recommended Salem-Keizer Cascade Threat Assessment System. This proactive, trauma-informed process uses early interventions to ensure student safety and engagement. It involves a structured, multidisciplinary group evaluation of the risk posed by a student or another individual in response to an actual or perceived threat or concerning behavior. 

The primary goal is to prevent targeted violence, focusing on analyzing the facts and evidence of behavior in each situation. The Threat Assessment Protocols are developed based on expert recommendations and emphasize situational variables rather than demographic characteristics.

Why is a Threat Assessment Conducted?

• When there are concerns regarding school violence and safety
• To know when a threat is real
• To know how to respond to a threat
• To ensure that we do not overreact or underreact
• To improve the quality of safety in our schools
• To utilize prevention-focused interventions rather than exclusion, expulsion, or arrest.

Threat Assessment Outcomes:

• A specific plan for supervision.
• Development of an individual accountability plan.
• Implementation of a safety plan for any intended targets.
• Linkage to social-skill-building programs and other support systems in the community, such as:  
  • Faith communities 
  • Mental health services 
  • Alcohol/drug evaluation 
  • Mentoring programs 

In addition, the plan may include family/home options such as: 

• Increased supervision of social media use 
• Safety-proofing the home and removing weapons
• Increasing supervision in the home

Supporting a Thriving Environment:

The Threat Assessment Program is designed to reduce over-reactive responses that could result in exclusionary discipline for students who need support and are not posing a viable threat at the time of assessment. Accurate implementation of the program helps to increase support for students in need and emphasizes a supportive and healthy school environment. It provides a platform for students to seek help when they have a problem or concern, creating a safer and more reassuring atmosphere for both students and staff. An equity-focused process promotes situational awareness throughout the assessment, providing school teams with valuable information about a student's risks and protective resources. It applies context throughout the threat assessment process, minimizing the reinforcement of harmful stereotypes and promoting the physical and psychological safety of the school community. A formative equity assessment helps teams move from singular perceptions toward a holistic understanding of the challenges faced by the student of concern.

Want to take a Deep Dive? Click on the Helping Hand picture below to listen to our Podcast on Threat Assessment.