Georgia schools now have a new statewide framework designed to help identify concerning behavior and intervene before it potentially escalates into violence.

The Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency announced the rollout of its Behavioral Threat Assessment and Management, or BTAM, model for public and private K-12 schools across the state.

The program focuses on identifying concerning behaviors early, assessing the circumstances surrounding those behaviors and connecting individuals with appropriate resources.

GEMA/HS says development of the Georgia model began about six years ago as the agency looked for a more systematic way for schools to identify and manage people exhibiting concerning behaviors or potentially moving toward violence. A trainer program was established in 2022 to expand BTAM instruction around the state.

Several Georgia school systems have already participated in the training, according to GEMA/HS. The agency says some have reported successful interventions involving individuals exhibiting behaviors associated with a potential pathway toward violence.

The formal statewide rollout provides schools with a structured process for developing their own threat-assessment programs while incorporating resources already available through schools and their communities.

GEMA/HS offers a six-hour BTAM training course along with an overview course and additional school-safety programs. Local schools and agencies can request the training through the state agency.

The new model is available to school systems across Georgia, including Chattooga County Schools and Trion City Schools.