Washington – US Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Angus King (I-ME) issued the following statement: Behavioral Intervention Guidelines (BIG) Acta law was signed to help educators identify how best to implement behavioral intervention programs to identify and address early signs of potential violence among students.
“Many incidents of violence in schools can be prevented, but it is important that educators are often trained to recognize and respond to the warning signs.” Senator Cornyn said. “This law will help inform the development of best practices for schools implementing life-saving behavioral intervention programs to protect the health of students in communities across the country. ”
“The last few years have revealed the real shortcomings of America’s approach to mental health, especially for children and students who have experienced significant upheaval in their education and social lives.” Senator King said. “It’s time for a new way of thinking, not just passive, but positive. Young Americans deserve help before their mental health problems turn into crises. Establishes guidelines for identifying students in need and those who may be a danger to themselves or others, and to improve connections between students and nearby mental health care providers. and ensure children get the care they need quickly when mental health issues arise. We appreciate Senator Cornyn’s partnership on this bipartisan legislation, and we are deeply grateful that we were able to pass this bill.”
Background:
A National Threat Assessment Center study found that 80% of incidents of targeted violence were preceded by behaviors of concern, such as bullying, isolation, and raising concerns.of BIG Act helps schools across the country implement life-saving programs to keep students safe, healthy and successful. In particular, BIG Act The Secretary of Health and Human Services should work with the Secretary of Education to prepare a report to Congress on the following best practices:
- Establish a behavioral intervention team (BIT). This is a small group of designated school officials who meet regularly to collect and ascertain information about at-risk community members and develop intervention plans to assist them. increase.
- Help connect professionals who develop and implement behavioral intervention programs within the Department of Health and Human Services and other federal agencies. This creates a feedback loop for behavioral intervention best practices.
- Provides best practices for schools to establish BITs, training for schools on BIT best practices, and technical assistance to help higher education institutions and K-12 schools implement best practices.
of BIG Act National Association for Behavioral Interventions and Threat Assessment, Association for Higher Education and Disability, Title IX Administrators Association, National Association of School Psychologists, Association of Secondary School Principals, Association of School Superintendents, National Association of School Boards, International Association of School Boards Supported by Law Enforcement Administrators, Sandy Hook Promise, Higher Education Case Manager’s Association, and Jed Foundation.
