Community Partners Sign Mighty Peace Violence Threat Risk Assessment Community Protocol

Peace River School Division, together with our partner organizations (listed below), is proud to announce the signing of the first Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) Protocol. Partners attended a formal signing ceremony on Tuesday, December 3, 2019, at 10:00 a.m. in the atrium of the Grimshaw Shared School Facility. The protocol named the Mighty Peace Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) Community Protocol was developed to create a coordinated approach between partner agencies for the prevention of traumatic events in schools and communities. This protocol promotes open dialogue and creates a shared understanding among partners for the effective assessment of violence threat and risk among youth.

This important protocol is a reflection of the commitment of all partners to maintain safe and caring environments for all students, staff and community members. Our partners in this collaborative endeavour include Holy Family Catholic Regional Division, Conseil Scolaire du Nord-Ouest, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Alberta Children's Services, Alberta Health Services, Victim's Services, and local fire departments. Through this strong partnership, our protocol will serve the vast area of Nampa, Peace River, Grimshaw, Berwyn, and Dixonville.

The Mighty Peace VTRA Community Protocol team worked collaboratively to ensure the protocol became a reality. All local partners attended extensive trainings in the VTRA protocol, which is the same protocol that is currently being implemented in many school divisions and communities across North America. The Protocol is based on the North American Centre for Threat Assessment and Trauma Response model of Violence Threat Risk Assessment and the work of J. Kevin Cameron, Executive Director.

All partners strongly believe that violence prevention is an important function of our society, and Peace River School Division, along with its partners in the Mighty Peace VTRA Community Protocol are taking steps to ensure the safety of students, staff, and community members. Peace River School Division thanks all partners for their collaboration and the many hours of hard work that has made the Mighty Peace VTRA Community Protocol possible