NCJ Number
212439
Journal
Journal of School Violence Volume: 4 Issue: 2 Dated: 2005 Pages: 29-46
Date Published
2005
Length
18 pages
Annotation
This study adapted two empirical justice-based threat assessment models to create a conceptual framework for the threat assessment of school-based violence.
Abstract
Due to highly publicized accounts of school violence, professionals have been under increased pressure to address school safety issues. While a wide range of primary and secondary prevention initiatives have been implemented, evaluations of these programs have questioned their effectiveness. Research has indicated that a highly individualized approach to school violence is the most effective means of preventing violence among the subset of students at heightened risk for school-based victimization. The author proposes a cross-disciplinary effort toward the development of a common conceptual framework for assessing school-based violence risk. Two justice-based threat assessment models, offered by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Secret Service National Threat Assessment Center in cooperation with the Department of Education, are reviewed and then adapted for use within school settings by interjecting multiple developmental aspects of at-risk youth. The result is a conceptual framework that allows for the assessment of both individual and systemic factors associated with youth violence. Table, references