At Prairie Rose Public Schools, the safety, well-being, and care of our students and staff are our highest priorities.

Working closely with our community partners through the Southeast Alberta Regional Assessment of Risk to Others (ARTO) Committee, PRPS follows a coordinated approach to responding to behaviours that may pose a threat to a student’s own safety or the safety of others. As part of this shared responsibility, all staff are required to report any threat-related behaviours so that concerns can be assessed and addressed promptly.

This information serves as fair notice to families and our school communities that Prairie Rose Public Schools will always respond to any threat in our schools. A “no response” approach is not an option when safety is involved.

We are grateful for the expertise and support of our community partners and are proud to work together to ensure safe and caring learning environments. If you have any questions, please contact your school’s administration. Additional information can be found in the resources linked below.

What is the purpose of an Assessment of Risk to Others (ARTO) Process?

The Assessment of Risk to Others (ARTO) Process is designed to be proactive in developing intervention/safety plans that address the emotional and physical safety of those involved; to ensure a full understanding of the context of the threat; and to begin to understand the factors that contribute to the threat-maker’s behaviour.

What behaviours warrant an Assessment of Risk to Others (ARTO) Process to be initiated?

A threat is an expression of intent to do harm or act out violently against someone or something. Threats may be verbal, written, drawn, posted on the Internet, or made by gesture. Every threat must be taken seriously, thoroughly investigated and a response and follow through completed. 

What is an Assessment of Risk to Others (ARTO) Team?

Each school has a multi-disciplinary ARTO team that includes the school administration, schoolbased counselors and support staff, and may also include division resource staff and community partners (i.e. police, mental health practitioners).  It is important for all parties to engage in the ARTO process.  If for some reason there is reluctance to participate in the process, by the threatmaker or the parent/guardian, the process will still continue to ensure a safe and caring learning environment for all. 

What happens in an Assessment of Risk to Others (ARTO)?

The model presented reflects the thinking and work of J. Kevin Cameron, Executive Director of the Center for Trauma Informed Practices www.ctipractices.com.