By Aaron Schulze

New protocol signed to address threats in northeast schools

Dec 17, 2018 | 4:00 PM

Agency partners in the Northeast Human Service Providers got together on Monday to sign a new protocol to determine proper protocol on how to respond to and investigate threats in northeast schools.

The Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) was signed between agency partners such as the North East School Division (NESD), Saskatchewan Healthy Authority (SHA), Ministry of Social Services, Cumberland College, and the RCMP.

Eric Hufnagel, the North East School Division’s superintendent of student services, said the process with VTRA starts when an explicit threat is found and there is proof the suspect has the means to carry it out. 

“If someone exhibits what we call alarming behaviour then what happens is the protocol is implemented,” Hufnagel said. “The partners work together to ensure things are safe for everyone and the appropriate investigation occurs and subsequent follow-up.”

Some of the threats VTRA would address include the Melfort & Unit Comprehensive Collegiate knife assault in March 2018 and the alleged threats to Tisdale Middle & Secondary (TMSS) on social media in September 2018.

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When he described the discipline process under the newly signed VTRA, Hufnagel said it would focus more on support rather than punishment.

“At times I would say you’re probably more prone to be looking at the supports that are needed to ensure that whoever it is, is supported so the threat is mitigated, safety is in place, but as importantly the alleged victims or the perpetrator are safe and looked after as well,” Hufnagel said.

The discipline role can be filled by any agency partner in the VTRA protocol. The Ministry of Social Services can be involved in a supportive role, the Saskatchewan Health Authority can treat for mental health, and the NESD can help with counselling and education.

“It’s prudent and responsible on our part that our partners are involved,” Hufnagel said.

The NESD previously worked through the same process informally, although Hufnagel expects the process to go by quicker now that a formal protocol is signed.

aaron.schulze@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @SchulzePANow