Help Now! The Assessment of Risk to Others (ARTO) and Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) are essential programs aimed at ensuring the safety and well-being of our community members. These initiatives are part of a larger, multi-disciplinary approach to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment, especially in schools and surrounding areas.
Background: In 2009, member agencies in Greater Sudbury came together to implement the Ministry of Education’s Safe Schools Act. The VTRA Steering Committee was formed to bring a collaborative effort from schools, law enforcement, and community agencies to create safer schools and communities. This collaborative effort has now extended to communities in Sudbury, Espanola, and Manitoulin, with 32 protocol partners working together to address individuals of concern through the Community Threat Assessment Protocol. Over 500 individuals and families have been helped through the VTRA process.
How It Works: ARTO uses a wraparound model, where multiple community partners, including schools, police, mental health services, and social services work together to support individuals showing concerning behaviors that could lead to violence. This process focuses on understanding and addressing the root causes of risky behaviors, ensuring the individual and their family receive coordinated support.
Who Is Involved: The majority of cases are initiated by schools who recognize shifts in behaviour and take early action. Community agencies such as police, child protection services, mental health services, and restorative justice groups play vital roles in offering support.
The Partners Involved: The initiative includes a wide range of organizations from various sectors, such as:
- School Boards (Includes all Sudbury-Manitoulin School Boards)
- Police services (e.g., Greater Sudbury Police, Ontario Provincial Police)
- Mental health services (e.g., Compass, Health Sciences North, Canadian Mental Health Association)
- Community organizations (e.g., Big Brothers Big Sisters, Shkagamik-Kwe Health Centre)
Relevant information may be collected, used, and shared with appropriate protocol partners to the extent authorized by law. Wherever possible and reasonable, informed consent will be sought. When there is an imminent threat to health or safety, information may be shared without consent where legally permitted. Only information necessary to assess risk, support safety, and coordinate intervention will be shared.
Key Areas of Focus: ARTO/VTRA addresses various behaviors, including:
- Social media threats or cyberbullying
- Suicidal ideation or harm to self/others
- Violence in schools or at home
- Possession of weapons (including replicas)
- Sexual violence or harassment
- Gang-related behavior, hate incidents, or bullying
- Animal cruelty
Cultural Sensitivity: The protocol also emphasizes cultural awareness and the importance of addressing the unique needs of individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, including refugees, newcomers, and the 2SLGBTQ+ community. The process incorporates a trauma-informed approach to assess behaviors, ensuring they are understood in the context of an individual’s history, cultural background, and any previous experiences of trauma.
Why This Is Important:
- Prevention of serious violence: The VTRA process helps identify threats early and prevents escalation.
- Supportive interventions: A team-based approach means individuals and families do not face challenges alone, and tailored intervention plans are created.
- Community impact: By collaborating, the community fosters safer schools and workplaces, benefiting all members.
- Long-term investment: Supporting at-risk individuals early creates a positive ripple effect, improving school engagement, family relationships, and overall well-being.
The VTRA/ARTO Protocol represents a collaborative, community-driven response to managing and preventing threats. It focuses on providing support to individuals in need, building safer environments for students, families, and communities. With ongoing support from diverse community partners, we can ensure a proactive approach to safety, well-being, and inclusion.
Our commitment
Compass is committed to responding in a timely, respectful, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and collaborative way that emphasizes prevention, support, and safety for everyone involved.
