Monitoring progress and case closure

Throughout an assessment, it is essential that units continuously assess any potential changes in the threat posed by the individual of concern.

The process of managing risk includes case planning, implementation, monitoring, and, eventually, case closure.

monitoring open-source social media activity;

initiating consensual encounters with the individual of concern to monitor the progress of a management plan;

identify and report concerning changes in an individual’s behavior while under supervision.

Once a management plan has been implemented, the BTAU should monitor the progress of the individual, the effectiveness of the interventions provided, and any changes to the individual’s life circumstances.

To accomplish this, the BTAU should maintain consensual contact with the individual and continue to build rapport with their family and support members, as well as with community partners providing intervention services.

The BTAU should establish regular communication and check-ins with the identified support systems in the management plan and assess whether the interventions and strategies included in the plan are producing the intended result.

In some instances, management strategies may need to be revised and adjusted. For example, if an individual initially agrees to group counseling as part of their management plan, but they do not feel comfortable sharing in front of a large group, the management plan may need to be adjusted to feature individual counseling sessions to promote engagement and effectiveness.

As time passes and progress is made, management strategies may be adjusted or removed.

Periodic reassessments of risk are helpful in maintaining a dynamic management plan that addresses the factors contributing to concerning behavior.

The ultimate goal of management is for the individual of concern to progress to a point where they no longer pose a risk of violence, at which time management can be discontinued.

Once known factors of concern have been addressed and the individual is determined by the BTAU to no longer pose a risk, the case can be considered for closure.

The determination for closing a case, like other decision points in the process, should be based on an objectively reasonable and articulable assessment of the potential for violence and should be documented with facts that support the decision.

Once a case is closed, the BTAU may need to re-initiate contact with an individual if their concerning behavior returns or if the individual is destabilized by a significant life event.

Even upon case closure, the BTAU may decide on a case-by-case basis to check in with the individual and reassess progress after a prescribed period of time.