CSTAG Protocol Visual CSTAG Protocol
Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines
Woburn Public Schools
Graduate Level Reference
1
Evaluate the Threat
Identify the threatener and the target. Interview witnesses and obtain the exact communication. Context is critical.
Key Action
Document exact words and behavior
Key Action
Assess context and intent
Critical Decision Point
Is the threat Transient or Substantive?
Transient
"Expression of anger or humor that ends quickly."
Non-genuine intent
Easily resolved
Retraction or apology
Substantive
"Genuine intent to harm, often with a plan."
Specific target/time
Evidence of planning
Recurrent or persistent
3
Transient Response
Resolve the threat. This may include an apology, explanation, or minor school-based disciplinary action.
GOAL: RESTORATIVE RESOLUTION
4
Substantive Response
Take protective action. Notify parents. Screen for mental health needs. Determine if Serious Substantive .
GOAL: SAFETY & INTERVENTION
5
Conduct a Safety Evaluation
Required for Serious Substantive Threats
Multidisciplinary Team
Mental Health Screening
Safety Plan Development
Dewey, D. G. (2018). Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines.
CSTAG Protocol Visual Updated Threat Assessment Framework
CSTAG Decision Tree
Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines
Woburn Public Schools
Graduate Instruction Reference
1 Evaluate the Threat
Obtain a specific account of the threat. Interview the threatener and witnesses. Document exact words and context.
2
Transient or Substantive?
Assess intent and context. Does the person intend to carry out the threat?
Transient
Expression of anger/humor that ends quickly. Non-genuine intent.
Substantive
Genuine intent to harm. Persistent, specific, or involves a plan/weapon.
3 Respond to Transient
Resolve the threat (apology, retraction). Minor school discipline if appropriate.
Case Closed
4 Respond to Substantive
Take protective action. Notify parents. Warn intended targets. Screen for mental health needs.
5
Serious or Very Serious?
Serious
Threat to hit, punch, or beat up (Assault).
Very Serious
Threat to kill, rape, or cause severe injury with a weapon.
6 Safety Evaluation
Mental health screening
Law enforcement consultation
Comprehensive parent interview
7 Safety Plan
Implement required precautions
Monitor student behavior
Review & update plan periodically
Woburn Public Schools • School Safety & Support Services
CSTAG Protocol Final Visual Safety & Support Protocol
CSTAG Decision Tree
Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines
Woburn
Public Schools
Graduate Faculty Resource
1
Evaluate the Threat
Conduct interviews with the student, witnesses, and potential targets. Document the exact communication and the specific context in which it occurred.
Team Collaboration
Direct Documentation
Critical Assessment Point
2
Transient or Substantive?
Does the student intend to carry out the threat, or is it an expression of temporary frustration?
Transient
"Ends quickly; non-genuine intent."
• Resolved with retraction or apology
• No evidence of planning/means
Substantive
"Genuine intent to cause harm."
• Specific target or time mentioned
• Sustained or repeated threat
3
Transient Resolution
Resolve the threat. Provide restorative practices or minor school-based consequences if necessary.
Case Concluded
4
Substantive Response
Take protective action. Notify parents of all parties. Warn the target. Determine level of seriousness.
5
Level of Threat
Serious Substantive
Threat to assault (e.g., hit or fight).
Very Serious Substantive
Threat to kill, rape, or use a weapon.
6 7
Advanced Safety Actions
Required for Level 2 & 3
Safety Evaluation
• Mandatory mental health assessment (Level 3)
• Consultation with SRO or Law Enforcement
Safety Plan
• Identify support systems and supervision
• Scheduled review and progress monitoring
Source Material
Cornell, D. G. (2018). CSTAG Manual.
Internal Reference
WPS School Safety Policy 4.2
Woburn Public Schools • Office of Student Services
CSTAG District Protocol Visual Safety & Support Protocol
CSTAG Decision Tree
Comprehensive School Threat Assessment Guidelines
Woburn
Public Schools
1
Evaluate the Threat
Conduct interviews with the student, witnesses, and potential targets. Document the exact communication and the specific context in which it occurred.
Team Collaboration
Direct Documentation
Critical Assessment Point
2
Transient or Substantive?
Does the student intend to carry out the threat, or is it an expression of temporary frustration?
Transient
"Ends quickly; non-genuine intent."
• Resolved with retraction or apology
• No evidence of planning/means
Substantive
"Genuine intent to cause harm."
• Specific target or time mentioned
• Sustained or repeated threat
3
Transient Resolution
Resolve the threat. Provide restorative practices or minor school-based consequences if necessary.
Case Concluded
4
Substantive Response
Take protective action. Notify parents of all parties. Warn the target. Determine level of seriousness.
5
Level of Threat
Serious Substantive
Threat to assault (e.g., hit or fight).
Very Serious Substantive
Threat to kill, rape, or use a weapon.
6 7
Advanced Safety Actions
Required for Level 2 & 3
Safety Evaluation
• Mandatory mental health assessment (Level 3)
• Consultation with SRO or Law Enforcement
Safety Plan
• Identify support systems and supervision
• Scheduled review and progress monitoring
Source Material
Cornell, D. G. (2018). CSTAG Manual.
Internal Reference
WPS School Safety Policy 4.2
Woburn Public Schools • Office of Student Services
