CAS Releases the Self-Assessment Guide for the Cross-Functional Framework for Identifying and Responding to Behavioral Concerns

The CAS Self-Assessment Guide for the Cross-Functional Framework for the Identifying and Responding to Behavioral Concerns (SAG for CFF for IRBC) is essential to the work of individuals and teams involved with behavioral intervention and threat assessment teams at institutions of higher education. The SAG complements The Cross-Functional Framework for Identifying and Responding to Behavioral Concerns, produced earlier this year by the Council for Advancement of Standards for Higher Education (CAS). The self-assessment guide is designed to translate the Framework's standards, guidelines, and descriptions of enhanced practices into tools for conducting self-study of cross-functional teams.

The Framework is designed to guide development, review, and quality improvement of behavioral intervention and threat assessment teams. Teams are defined as multidisciplinary or cross-functional with responsibility for supporting campus populations experiencing distress and/or those who may be at risk for targeted violence. The Framework focuses on evidence-based practices and protocols to aid in consistent and objective assessments and interventions to support the safety, health, and success of individuals and the broader campus community. Because each institution of higher education approaches this work differently in accordance with their culture, structure, environment, and available resources, the Framework focuses on process elements rather than restrictive approaches. The Framework was written by a committee whose membership includes Katherine Snyder, Catherine Cocks, and Rachel Boldman, with support from numerous experts and professional associations in the field.

The Self-Assessment Guide for the Cross-Functional Framework for Identifying and Responding to Behavioral Concerns offers guidance for assessment of impact and outcomes of the IRBC team as part of a self-study. The SAG helps inform perspectives on the strengths and deficiencies of the cross-functional team, as well as plan for improvements. The SAG provides a list of suggested evidence and documentation; the Framework's standards, guidelines, and enhanced practice descriptions; rating scales; and summary questions. Finally, a Self-Study Summary of Good Practices, Strengths, Areas for Improvement, and Opportunities for Enhanced Practice is provided to offer direction in developing an action plan and to ensure that the findings of the self-study are used for improvement and enhancement of the work of the cross-functional team.

Simply put, the CAS SAG for CFF for IRBC is an essential tool for institutions that want to ensure effective structures are in place to promote the quality and improvement of cross-functional teams responsible for identifying and responding to behavioral concerns. The Framework and its Self-Assessment Guide offer another resource for professionals striving to build the capacity to work efficiently and effectively in this area.

Institutions can look to CAS's Cross-Functional Framework for Identifying and Responding to Behavioral Concerns as a trusted resource for standards, guidelines, and best practice developed by experts and promoted by a reliable organization that, itself, is based on principles of cross-functional collaboration. Drawing on CAS's 40 years promoting standards in student affairs, student services, and student development programs, the Framework and the Self-Assessment Guide build on principles, elements, and structures of CAS traditional functional area standards while being tailored to cross-functional teams.

The new Self-Assessment Guide for the Cross-Functional Framework for Identifying and Responding to Behavioral Concerns, as well as the Framework, are available for purchase at the CAS store.