Georgia Launched Statewide School Threat Assessment Model
K-12 schools across the state now have access to a structured framework designed to identify and intervene in concerning student behaviors.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Administration
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The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency has officially rolled out a Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management (BTAM) model for K-12 schools statewide. This program provides local districts with a formal process to detect, assess, and support individuals before potential violence occurs.
Why it matters
The model helps schools proactively connect students with resources to address concerning behaviors as part of a state-mandated safety strategy. It fulfills legislative requirements for public school safety plans to prioritize violence prevention and mental health awareness.
The initiative follows six years of development and builds upon a trainer program established by GEMA/HS in 2022. School systems, including those in Chattooga County and Trion City, now have the resources to implement these safety protocols.
The players
Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency
The state agency responsible for coordinating emergency preparedness, disaster response, and school safety programs across Georgia.
Chattooga County Schools
A public school system in Georgia now eligible to utilize the statewide threat assessment training and framework.
Trion City Schools
A local independent school system in Georgia granted access to the new state-led behavioral intervention model.
The details
BTAM teams are formed through a collaboration between education, law enforcement, and mental health professionals. These teams gather information about concerning situations to determine the appropriate level of intervention. Schools and local agencies can access the necessary training and technical assistance by submitting a request through the GEMA/HS school-safety program.
Timeline
Development of the school safety model began in 2020.
The trainer program for the model was established in 2022.
The agency announced the statewide rollout in September 2026.
The Home Front
This program aligns with state mandates requiring Georgia public schools to maintain comprehensive safety plans that address mental health and violence prevention. It shifts the regional standard for school safety from reactive drills to a proactive, team-based assessment approach.
Parents should check their district's safety plan page to see how these threat assessment protocols are being integrated into local school operations. Consider reaching out to your local school board to understand how your specific school is participating in GEMA/HS training programs.
The takeaway
The statewide BTAM model provides a consistent framework for managing school safety risks by connecting professionals from various sectors. Families can monitor school board meeting agendas for updates on how these intervention resources are applied within their specific district.
Further reading
Learn more about local educational policies on our Administration page.
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Should your local schools adopt proactive behavioral threat assessment models to prevent violence?
