Comprehensive training and resources to enhance the use of Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) processes in Wisconsin schools

Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of School Safety (OSS) has taken feedback from users of the Wisconsin School Threat Assessment and Management Protocol (WSTAMP) and is making edits, additions, and improvements to the existing forms and process with review and recommendations from the U.S. Secret Service-National Threat Assessment Center (USSS/NTAC).  OSS proposes continued work on the development of a digital/online solution that provides access and guidance to the usage of the WSTAMP with the goal to improve the efficiency and fidelity of school-based, multidisciplinary Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) teams to gather and analyze information, determine the level of concern a student poses, and implement plans of support/interventions that are aligned with the safety and needs of the student of concern and the school community. 

Based on practical experience in schools, consultations with school BTAM teams, and feedback from current trainings/presentations, OSS staff see the need for helping schools build BTAM teams and enhance the confidence and fidelity using this process.  Thus, OSS proposes focusing grant funds on priorities/needs related to providing comprehensive, high-quality, evidence based BTAM training, resources, and support (including protocol/process usage) to schools, law enforcement, community partners, and safety stakeholders around the state. OSS will not include a suicide assessment with this process as originally proposed. This type of training is more effective when delivered by two trainers. BTAM trainers need to stay educated and updated in BTAM best practices.

To support and sustain this effort, OSS proposes to utilize grant funds:

To provide for the travel costs (lodging, meals, mileage) for two OSS team members to provide high-quality, evidence based, BTAM training to schools and safety stakeholders around the state of Wisconsin; and to allow the TAC and BTAM trainers to attend multiple trainings (local and nationwide) on topics related to behavioral threat assessment and management, and other behavioral health topics that support this work. 
To purchase low tech equipment to aid in the provision of high-quality in-person or virtual trainings and online webinar trainings on topics related to school-based BTAM and comprehensive safety.
Broaden the scope of BTAM training and include for the provision of printed resources/ materials to ALL BTAM training course participants and purchase professional books/resources for BTAM trainers.
Focus on obtaining Subject Matter Experts to provide online/virtual/in-person training opportunities for stakeholders related to BTAM topics, including for school specific applications (i.e. topics related to exclusionary discipline, special education, FERPA, DTA, AI).  
Continue the work and consultative partnerships related to developing an improved digital product/process for schools to access the WSTAMP (Wisconsin BTAM tool/forms).
Allocate funds to support outsourcing needs related to creating higher tech video productions/ resources, and informational videos.
Include budget for registration costs for staff that provide BTAM training (in addition to the Threat Assessment Coordinator).

It is the belief and commitment of WI-DOJ-OSS that by enhancing training, resources and supports in Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management for Wisconsin school safety stakeholders, we will promote a proactive, evidence-based approach to preventing school violence.