On December 4, Greater St. Albert Catholic Schools Superintendent David Keohane signed the St. Albert and Sturgeon Regional VIolence Threat Risk Assessment (SAS VTRA) Protocol. The VTRA protocol includes the regional partners of neighboring school jurisdictions (Sturgeon School Division, St. Albert School Division, Conseil scolaire Centre-Nord), schools (The Father’s House Christian School), the RCMP, Alberta Health Services, and other community agencies.
The SAS VTRA protocol outlines how partner organizations will collaborate and work together to be responsive to threatening behavior. The procedures within our protocol are based on training provided by the The North American Center for Threat Assessment and Trauma Response (NACTATR) model of VTRA. The work of the NACTATR reflects scientific research from experts, including medical and mental health professionals, law enforcement and specialists in the field of threat management. VTRA promotes a common language and understanding of threat assessment, makes use of the expertise of community partners and encourages a multidisciplinary approach to violence prevention. The Protocol solidifies the importance of timely multidisciplinary collaboration about children or youth who pose a risk of violence towards themselves or others and prevents further potential violence.
In order to confirm that the VTRA protocol will be used to address at-risk student behaviours proactively, a “fair notice” communication will be sent to all of our parents. Thank you in advance for reviewing what parents can expect should a VTRA enactment be necessary.
Please contact Director of Early Childhood Education and Learning Support Services, Raymonde Roulston, should you have any questions about this protocol.