Threat Assessment Procedures:

A Guide for Families and Staff

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Overview

Ensuring the safety and well-being of students while they are at school is a top priority for parents/guardians, school staff, and our community. Jackson Country Schools have implemented a crucial and proactive measure known as the Student Threat Assessment Process. The primary objective of this process is twofold: to prevent harm to students and to provide necessary resources and support to those who may be at risk of engaging in violent behavior. By identifying, assessing, and intervening with students who exhibit concerning behavior or threats, we aim to create a safer and more supportive educational environment for all students, while also helping those in need to stay on a path towards success and well-being.

Active parent/guardian engagement with school teams is vital in ensuring the effectiveness of this process, as your insight and collaboration are essential in safeguarding the educational experience of your child(ren) and their peers. Threat Assessments do not require parent/guardian consent. School districts are required to evaluate threats and violence risks.  Your engagement in the process helps to inform the school and local agencies about any risks and can help in determining how the threat assessment team addresses the risk and the needs of your child.  We consistently see better outcomes when families engage in the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Resources and Agencies for Support

  • Jackson County Mental Health Crisis Services: This resource can provide free assessments for people who are experiencing thoughts of suicide or are in the midst of a mental health crisis and need support. Location: 140 S. Holly Street Medford, OR 97501 - Phone: 541-774-8201

  • To find a local therapist online who accepts your insurance visit: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists  and click “find a therapist.” Here you can input your insurance type and be matched with local therapists who are currently accepting your insurance and new patients.

  • For local youth programs, therapy and supports for kids with OHP or Tricare please visit: https://www.kairosnw.org/programs or http://www.optionsonline.org/

  • Southern Oregon Pediatrics has in house mental health providers who are able to meet with youth on a regular basis and can refer out for further supports. For more information speak to your pediatrician or call 541-789-4096. 

  • The following resources are 24/7, free to you, and quick to access when you or a loved one are needing immediate mental health support or are having thoughts of suicide:

    • 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Just pick up your phone and dial or text 988 to be directly connected to a trained counselor who can guide you through your crisis and give suggestions and support around safety and suicidal thoughts. 

    • 741-741 Crisis Text Line: Just text the word home to 741-741 to be connected to a trained crisis counselor. 

    • The Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQ Youth: call 1-866-488-7386 or visit thetrevorproject.org for tons of resources for LGBTQ youth and families. 

    • The Trans Lifeline: call 1-877-565-8860 or visit https://translifeline.org/ for tons of resources for trans people who are all ages and stages. 

    • https://www.linesforlife.org/: This is a great website to check out for mental health promotion, suicide prevention, and substance abuse resources and support.