Behavioral Threat Assessment (BTA)
BTA is a fact-based, systematic process designed to recognize, inquire, evaluate, and intervene in potentially dangerous or violent situations. BTA is designed to gather a holistic picture of an individual displaying behaviors or communications of concern to determine how best to intervene and plan to mitigate harm. MCSS continued its collaboration with Maryland schools to build capacity for every school to have an operational multidisciplinary team as defined in Ed. Art. §7-1507. Upon request, MCSS staff conducted workshops for system-level and local leaders, advancing practices defined in the “2018 Maryland’s Model Policy for Behavior Threat Assessment” and the “2023 Behavioral Threat Assessment Implementation Guide.” The 2023 BTA Implementation Guide provides foundational information on practices involved in the BTA process and is primarily intended for students. During the spring of 2024 , MCSS convened a diverse group of experts to develop guidance that expands upon the 2023 implementation guide to address internal and other adult threats. The group of twenty practitioners included representation from the following school system roles and state and federal agencies:
• Behavioral Health Coordinator • Director of Student Services • Coordinator Psychological Services • School Safety Coordinator • School Principal • School Counselor • Coordinator of Internal Investigation, Human Resources • Parent • Coach • Teacher • Local Law Enforcement • Maryland Center for School Safety • Maryland State Department of Education • Maryland Department of Disabilities • Maryland Assistant Attorney General • Maryland Coordinated Analysis Center • Federal Bureau of Investigation • United States Secret Service, National Threat Assessment Center
The 2024 “Behavior Threat Assessment Implementation Guide Expansion: Internal and Other Adult Threats” document also includes BTA terms and definitions for Maryland Schools and other helpful information that was identified as needs through workshops and other interactions with local implementers. Locals will be provided with customized technical support and training for implementation of the Expansion document to meet the individual needs of each LEA. Locals were asked to complete a simple survey indicating what type of support would be needed in their system in order to successfully implement the recommended practices for internal and other adult threats. The results of this survey were analyzed in November 2024 to inform and plan MCSS workshops, support sessions, and 2025 team training.
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