Under HB 1216 and RCW 28A.320.123, all LEAs are required to have School-Based Threat Assessment Programs and teams in place by the 2020/2021 school year. To assist in this work, Regional School Safety Centers have been established in the nine ESDs to provide training and technical assistance for the implementation of these programs. 

To meet the requirements under HB 1216, all nine ESDs have adopted and implemented the Salem-Keizer Threat Assessment Model, a preventative, multi-agency/multi-disciplinary, trauma informed protocol constructed with an equity lens to provide assessment protocols and safety planning procedures that are coordinated by a unique collaborative team made up of school, law enforcement, community mental health, courts, and juvenile justice. 

The assessment conducted by the School-Based Threat Assessment team may lead to a specific plan for supervision; development of an individual accountability plan; linkage to social-skill building programs and other support systems in the community such as faith communities, mental health services, alcohol/drug evaluation and mentoring programs; and implementation of a safety plan for any intended targets.  In addition, the plan may include family/home options such as increased supervision of social media use, safety-proofing the home and removing weapons, and increasing supervision in the home. The model also reduces over-reactive responses by schools with Zero-Tolerance policies which lead to exclusionary discipline for students who are in need of support and do not pose a viable threat. 

Accurate implementation of threat assessment programs in schools helps to increase supports for students in need and emphasizes a supportive and healthy school climate providing a platform for students to reach out when a problem or concern exists and create a safer atmosphere for students and staff alike.

Policy & Procedure

• Bulletin B018-20 - New Requirements Related to School-Based Threat Assessment Programs Policies and Procedures
• School Based Threat Assessment Policy 3225
• School Based Threat Assessment Procedure 3225P
• RCW 28A.320.128 Notice and Disclosure Policies: Threats of violence, student conduct, immunity for good faith notice, and penalty.
  •  Notification of Threats of Violence of Harm Policy 4314
  •  Notification of Threats of Violence of Harm Procedure 4314P

Educational Service Districts (ESDs)

For information about Threat Assessment in your area or available trainings, please contact the Threat Assessment Coordinator in your ESD.