Local School Boards Host Joint Training to Strengthen Community Safety Partnerships

More than 30 staff and community partners from across the district came together this week for a two-day Violence Threat Risk Assessment (VTRA) training session jointly hosted by the Lambton Kent District School Board (LKDSB) and the St. Clair Catholic District School Board (SCCDSB).

Participants represented a broad network of organizations committed to student and community well-being, including the Sarnia Police Service, Walpole Island First Nation (Bkejwanong Territory), Delaware Nation at Moraviantown, Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), and both school boards’ Safe Schools and Student Support Services teams.

The session was facilitated by Kevin Cameron, Executive Director of the North American Center for Threat Assessment and Trauma Response (NACTATR). Cameron, who developed the VTRA model and is recognized nationally for his leadership in trauma-informed crisis response, provided participants with deeper insight into the evolution of VTRA practice and the importance of maintaining strong, collaborative community partnerships.

The training focused on strengthening shared protocols, enhancing early-intervention practices, and deepening cross-agency collaboration to support safe, caring, and inclusive learning environments.

“This training reinforces the power of working together,” said Mark Houghton, LKDSB System Coordinator for Safe Schools. “When community agencies come to the same table, we build a stronger, more coordinated response that supports students with care, dignity, and timely intervention.”

The VTRA model emphasizes collaborative assessment, information-sharing, and wrap-around supports to reduce risk and ensure students receive the help they need as early as possible. Hosting the training jointly reflects the boards’ shared commitment to student safety and community partnership.

“Bringing our teams together with our community partners strengthens our collective ability to support students and respond effectively when concerns arise,” explained Jenifer Morrow, SCCDSB Superintendent of Student Achievement. “We are grateful for the participation and leadership shown across all organizations involved.”

The two-day session marks another step in ongoing regional collaboration to promote safe, supportive school communities across Sarnia-Lambton and Chatham-Kent.