The School Mental Health Staff Members Role on the NJ Behavioral Threat Assessment & Management team (BTAM).
PreK-12 Teachers
Special Education
On1, 2022, Governor Phil Murphy signed N.J.S.A. 18A:17-43.4 into law, mandating the formation of a multi-disciplinary threat assessment team in each school. This team assists staff in identifying students with concerning behaviors, assessing their risk of violence or harm, and implementing intervention strategies. A school mental health provider, such as a psychologist, social worker, or counselor, is a required member, bringing valuable expertise to the team.
- understand the role of a school mental health provider on the School BTAM and the NJ regulations.
- examine the key findings of the Safe School Initiative and the path to violence.
learn the recommended 11 Key questions in the student interview (US Secret Service and USDOE).
- differentiate between a Suicide Risk assessment and a BTAM assessment.
role-play the student interview questions and review a sample case.
- examine the importance of developing preventative and responsive support for students, and discuss common supports/interventions that can be recommended depending on the student/school's need.