In today’s educational landscape, the safety and well-being of students are top priorities for schools and communities alike. One of the most effective tools in maintaining a secure and supportive environment is the use of an evidence-based student threat assessment model, such as Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG). When these assessments are conducted by a multidisciplinary team, they become more robust and impactful, ensuring that the complex needs of students and schools are addressed comprehensively.

 

A multi-disciplinary team brings together professionals with diverse expertise to assess and address potential threats. Threat Assessment teams typically include administrators, school counselors, psychologists, social workers, school resource officers, school nurses, and other relevant professionals. Each member of the team contributes unique insights based on their training and perspective, creating a well-rounded approach to threat assessment. Despite state and national experts making recommendations for multidisciplinary threat assessment teams, the roles and responsibilities of such a unique team can often become unclear.

 

Recently, a district faced challenges in implementing their threat assessment model and utilizing their multidisciplinary team effectively. Despite receiving CSTAG training, the team functioned independent of one another, resulting in inconsistency when addressing threats. With coaching support from the ESCNEO, the team clarified roles and responsibilities, streamlined processes, improved collaboration, and gained greater confidence when assessing and managing threats.

 

Here are some of the key benefits teams can expect when shifting their practice to a multidisciplinary team approach:

 

One of the greatest risks in threat assessment is allowing bias or incomplete information to guide decisions. By incorporating multiple perspectives, the team ensures that no single viewpoint dominates the discussion and that all potential interventions are fair, equitable, and appropriate.

 

During assessment and intervention, a multidisciplinary team considers students’ biological/sociological factors including their mental health, home environment, social relationships, and academic performance

 

A multidisciplinary team is well-positioned to recognize early warning signs and implement supportive interventions before a situation escalates. By identifying and addressing root causes of concerning behavior—such as bullying, mental health challenges, or family stressors—the team can often prevent a potential crisis altogether.

 

Students’ needs cannot be met with a one-size-fits-all approach. A multidisciplinary team can design personalized support plans that incorporate academic accommodations, mental health services, behavioral interventions, and/or family engagement. This holistic approach not only reduces immediate risks but also promotes long-term student success.

 

Involving a diverse group of professionals fosters trust among students, families, and the school community. Parents are more likely to engage with a team that demonstrates a comprehensive and compassionate approach to their child’s well-being. Similarly, students are more likely to feel supported and understood when they feel connected and engaged.

 

The ESCNEO and Ohio Schools Council offer training and coaching for multidisciplinary threat assessment teams.