Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management
The Maine School Safety Center (MSSC) provides no cost training and support in Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) to help schools identify, assess, and manage potential threats of violence before harm occurs. Ensuring that all Maine schools are adequately prepared to respond to concerning behavior is an essential part of maintaining safe, supportive learning environments. This work strengthens collaboration among school staff, law enforcement, and mental health professionals, promoting early intervention, prevention, and the protection of every student and educator in Maine’s schools.
The Maine School Safety Center delivers training in the Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines (CSTAG), a nationally recognized model for behavioral threat assessment in schools. CSTAG was selected due to its strong foundation in research and its widespread use in K-12 settings, offering proven strategies to address potential threats in a systematic, fair, and effective manner. By equipping multi-disciplinary teams with CSTAG’s evidence-based process, the MSSC enables schools to proactively prevent violence, support student well-being, and foster safer learning environments for all Maine students.
BTAM Overview
Q: What is Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management?
A: Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) is a structured, fact-based process used to prevent targeted violence by identifying, assessing, and managing individuals who may pose a threat before harm occurs. BTAM focuses not only on keeping schools safe, but also on understanding and addressing the underlying causes of concerning behavior, supporting the wellbeing of the individual involved, and fostering a positive, secure, and inclusive school climate.
BTAM helps schools intervene early and respond proactively to signs of escalating distress or potential violence by exploring the why behind concerning behaviors and connecting individuals to appropriate supports and interventions. Rather than relying on zero-tolerance or purely punitive approaches, BTAM emphasizes problem-solving, collaboration, and care to reduce risk and promote positive outcomes for all members of the school community.
Q: Why should Maine schools have a BTAM team?
A: A BTAM team provides schools with a structured, research-based process for identifying, assessing, and managing potential threats before harm occurs. Trained teams follow a consistent, proven model that reduces errors and aligns with national standards endorsed by the U.S. Secret Service and the Department of Education.
In 2025, the Maine Legislature passed LD 21, requiring all schools to have policies consistent with best practices in behavioral threat assessment and management. Establishing and training a BTAM team helps schools meet this requirement while ensuring a preventive, collaborative approach that protects both school safety and student wellbeing.
CSTAG Training
Q: How do Maine schools access CSTAG training?
A: The Maine School Safety Center offers CSTAG training led by certified coaches for multidisciplinary school-based teams. Ideally, each team includes at least one administrator, one or more mental health professionals (such as a school counselor, social worker, or psychologist), a law enforcement representative, and a special educator. Additional staff, like nurses, behavior interventionists, deans, or lead teachers, may also strengthen your team. Success with CSTAG is supported by having a designated leader in each district and strong administrative backing. CSTAG training typically takes about 7 hours and is available in a variety of formats, including e-learning modules (for qualifying districts), Zoom-based sessions, and in-person training. Most programs are divided into two shorter sessions for convenience, although many districts opt to have one full day of in-person training.
Q: I completed CSTAG training several years ago and need a refresher. What are my options?
A: Start by ensuring you have the latest CSTAG Manual, updated in 2024. While you may choose to repeat the initial training, MSSC now offers a 2-hour CSTAG refresher course via Zoom, reviewing essential concepts and introducing new topics. Q: How do I register or get answers to other CSTAG training questions? A: Contact Rebekah Maranatha (Rebekah.R.Maranatha@maine.gov), who can answer questions, assist with registration, and match individuals or teams to training that fits their needs.
BTAM and Student Discipline
Discipline and BTAM are distinct but overlapping approaches to student behavior. Discipline corrects rule-breaking through consequences, while BTAM focuses on school safety and investigates the root causes behind concerning behavior. BTAM aims to prevent harm and support student well-being, operating separately from disciplinary actions, though both may occur at the same time for some cases.
BTAM and Law Enforcement
There are many times that local law enforcement will be involved in processing a threat assessment case. While each situation will vary,
general guidance is that law enforcement should be involved in situations involving weapons, explosive materials, poisonous materials, drugs, or other illegal items; if state or local law has been broken in the process of making the threat; or when assistance is needed in completing the assessment. Should the information gathered during the assessment process indicate a threat beyond what the team can determine, law enforcement should be informed to determine if additional action should be taken. Local policies may provide additional information related to when law enforcement should be notified.
Resources & Publications
[BRIEF] Keeping Schools Safe? The Research on Behavioral Threat Assessments
Aligning-Behavioral-Threat-Assessment-And-Management-With-A-Multi-Tiered-System-Of-Support.pdf
Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) Best Practice Considerations for K–12 Schools (from NASP – document attached)
School Threat Assessment Toolkit - Full
Averting Targeted School Violence: A U.S. Secret Service Analysis of Plots Against Schools
Protecting America’s Schools: A U.S. Secret Service Analysis of Targeted School Violence
Contact
James Babcock Psy.D.
Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management Coordinator
Phone:
Email: James.Babcock@maine.gov