KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
In the wake of the multiple threats to campuses throughout the Southland, Los Angeles County is considering expanding an existing program that protects the community from school shootings.
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L.A. County Supervisors Kathryn Barger and Janice Hahn have proposed expanding the county’s School Threat Assessment Response Team (START) to identify “At-Risk” youth in schools.
Since the deadly shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, local law enforcement has intervened in threats of violence against schools in Santa Clarita, Whittier, Long Beach,Inglewood, Bellflower, Los Angeles, and Cerritos.
In the past week alone, five Santa Clarita Valley schools have faced threats to their campus.
Related: SCVi Lockdown Lifted After Possible Threat, Suspect Detained (VIDEO)
The Department of Mental Health created START in 2009 in an effort to prevent campus violence through early identification and intervention of at-risk youths and young adults.
START is currently staffed with 10 clinicians who work in partnership with local law enforcement to respond to reports of potential school violence, according to the agenda.
The program has also partnered with the Federal Bureau of Investigations to develop a regional approach to targeted school violence, said county officials.
“These incidents are a reminder that our communities are not immune to the epidemic of gun violence in this nation,” said Supervisor Hahn. “Until Congress takes action and passes common sense gun legislation, it is up to each of us to report potential threats and we need a team of experts in place that can handle these reports appropriately.”
In the past year, START conducted interventions with 127 students. In the past week alone, however, START has received 63 referrals.
Related: Santa Clarita Students Safely Demonstrate Free Speech In The Face Of Threats
“Premeditated school shootings have occurred throughout the nation, with the latest tragic shooting occurring in Florida,” reads the joint motion. “These incidents are reminders that our own communities are not immune to the epidemic of violence in this nation.”
Supervisors Hahn and Barger have asked for a report back from County staff in 30-days with recommendations to enhance START including possible program expansion.
“Although many grieving families today have experienced firsthand losses that are unimaginable, others also find themselves traumatized by the stories of children whose lives were tragically ended by violence,” said the motion.
Those so affected, including parents and teachers, need information about how best to help and support our youth and young adults, said county officials.
“The County has tools to prevent these tragic events,” said the motion. “We need to make sure that parents, students and teachers are aware of them.”
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HURRAH FOR ALL OF YOU TRYING TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS PROBLEM
There is very high awareness right now about possible threats to schools. It is like the high awareness of sharks in the ocean every time Jaws is seen on television. Will this vigilance continue or will will the powers that be become annoyed and complacent?
Will the government look into the environment that our kids are being raised in and make some changes to keep them from going crazy in the first place?
This is a big deal; START has been an extremely valuable resource to schools in Santa Clarita Valley.
It is commendable and reasonable that students want something done to ensure their safety. But what more could be done? Assault weapons are illegal. Magazines holding more than 10 rounds are illegal. It is illegal to bring a gun on school campus unless you are law enforcement or on duty security.
Another factor that seems to be slipping by is that ALL the shooters dating back to Columbine at least, have been under psychiatric care and were on prescription anti depressants which have a warning that they can cause aggressive or suicidal behavior.
Maybe we should be more circumspect in passing out mind bending pills. And mental health professionals should be more observant of their patients behaviors.