School divisions finalize threat protocol

After years of planning, a joint protocol between the Parkland's public and separate school divisions to prevent and reduce school violence is a reality.

At a signature ceremony Monday, Alan Sharp, superintendent of education for Good Spirit School Division, who has spear-headed the collaboration since its inception, called the new Community Threat Assessment and Support Protocol "historic."

Representatives from both school divisions and all the community partners-the RCMP, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Social Services, SIGN, Kids First Yorkton, Sunrise Health Region and Yorkton Tribal Council-signed the document into effect.

Sharp explained it is only the fourth such agreement in Saskatchewan and an unprecedented example of cooperation and information sharing for the benefit of children and youth in the Yorkton area.

"It is through dedication, commitment and cooperation of many agencies in Yorkton that we are able to ensure our schools and communities are safe places," Sharp said.

The 43-page protocol is a comprehensive plan that outlines the roles of stakeholders, methods of information sharing, privacy concerns and documentation. It includes tools for educators including flow charts and forms, as well as, an 11-step report form for working through the process.

Please see Yorkton This Week September 25 for Thom Barker's complete feature story on the Community Threat Assessment and Support Protocol and combatting school violence.