Fair Notice

Fair Notice: Response to Threat Making BehaviourThe Chilliwack School District is committed to providing a safe and inclusive environment for all staff, students, families and community members, and is a member of the Chilliwack Community Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA or ARTO) Protocol.What is a Threat?
  • A threat is an expression of intent to do harm or act out violently against someone or something
  • A threat may be verbal, written, drawn, posted electronically or made by gesture
  • A threat may include any high-risk behaviour such as possession of a weapon
  • Threats must be taken seriously, investigated, and responded to appropriately.
What is Threat Assessment?Threat assessment is a process that is followed when a school becomes aware of a threat made against a student, staff member, or the safety of the school building and its occupants. When a report of a threat is received and the threshold for the “Categories of Action” is met, the Chilliwack VTRA/ARTO Protocol will be activated.The protocol helps schools and community agencies share important information when someone shows behaviour that may be unsafe. The protocol is a trauma-informed and equity-inclusion guided process designed to:
  • Keep everyone safe
  • Understand what may be causing the concerning behaviour
  • View the Individual of Concern (IOC) as someone who needs help, not punishment
  • Create a support plan that addresses emotional and physical safety
  • Provide appropriate interventions, which may include discipline but always include support
  • Protect the safety of the whole school community
It is not a disciplinary tool or response. Its purpose is safety, understanding, and support.What Parents and Students Need to Know
  • Any threat must be reported to the school administration, counselor or some other trusted adult
  • Investigation may involve the police and / or other community agencies
  • Investigation may involve locker or personal property searches
  • Interviews will be held with the threat-maker and other students or adults who may have information about the threat
  • Parents of students who are directly involved will be notified
  • An intervention plan may be developed for the student making the threat and a support plan developed for any individuals targeted by threats
Everyone Has a Duty to ReportOften when we hear in the media about a violent incident, we learn that the threat-maker had made threats in advance of acting violently. To keep our school communities safe, students, parents, staff and community members must report all threat-related behaviours and high-risk activities.Related Documents