National School Vulnerability Assessment Program
-Professional Risk Management Consulting-
Consulting with Purpose
Preparation is the key to the prevention of acts of violence in our schools. While most schools across the country have effective policies to address potential threats, frequently it is the case that school staff, and even administrators either do not know the policies, or have grown complacent to the potential for violence in their schools. The attitude of “it won’t happen here” is often pervasive, thereby leading to a lack of proactivity on the part of those responsible for protecting our children
School Vulnerability Self- Assessment
The main purpose of a Vulnerability Assessment is to ensure the overall safety of the School, Teachers, and most importantly students. While conducting a SELF-ASSESSMENT, it should always be top of mind to use your best judgment and common sense to achieve the objective. Not all circumstances are as easy as “Black and White”. With the step-by-step instructions included you and your staff will be able to be confident that the school is a safer place. It is encouraged to perform this task at least once a year. It is recommended that every effort is made to have a “Professionally” conducted School Vulnerability Assessment done as the primary review of the school’s safety. The self-assessment is an alternative used when the immediate funding or resources are not available to have one professionally conducted. It is the recommendation of NSVAP™ team members that a self-assessment should be used as a temporary alternative. When time and resources permit, the self-assessment should be replaced by a professionally conducted assessment that we also offer. This assessment tool comes with: Step by Step instructions on how to perform a Self Assessment, phone consultation with our professionals, and a Climate Survey for the staff. These documents are immediately downloadable after purchase.
Full On-Site Vulnerability Assessment
A School Vulnerability Assessment (SVA) involves a formal assessment, conducted by professionals in the field, who isolate the areas of vulnerability in a school to mitigate risks associated with these vulnerabilities. It is a complex set of procedures that requires multiple steps to complete the task.
The SVA begins with a complete review of all policies related to the daily operation of the school. Especially important is the Emergency Management Plan that controls what actions should be taken in the event of an emergency of any nature. It is essential to complete this review prior to the actual physical plant assessment in order for the assessors to know what policies are actually being followed, and which ones are being overlooked.
The second step is the actual assessment of the school property. Beginning at the driveway of the school, a complete review is done of all aspects of the physical plant. Both the exterior and interior of the school is assessed, and potential or actual risks are photographed and documented. Areas where it is apparent policies are being followed are also photographed and documented. It is critical to have a complete assessment, identifying the positive actions and behaviors, as well.
The third step of the process is to talk to staff and students about their feelings regarding safety and security of the school. Behaviors impact school safety more than any other factor. The best policies can be completely nullified if those responsible for enforcing them fail to do so. Discussions with staff and students provide opportunities for the assessors to get a true “feel” for the climate of the school, and this is an essential component of the assessment.
The fourth and final step is a formal report written by the assessment team. This report will include all documentation and photographs taken during the assessment, and a list of recommendations that will improve the security of the school environment.
Consulting By Phone
The NSVAP™ team can be available to answers questions about what the best option is for your school. The team can also set you up for success if you choose to conduct a “self-assessment” or a “brush-up” on policies and procedures. Our professionals have an extensive background in safety and security making the best candidates for an assessment team. Current and retired law enforcement officials, as well as individuals experienced in risk management, possess the skills necessary to give a fair, thorough and honest assessment, as well as make the necessary recommendations to address the potential areas of concern.
