Evaluation of a Targeted Violence Prevention Program in Los Angeles County, California

The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health’s (LACDMH) School Threat Assessment Response Team (START) was designed to address the need for a comprehensive threat prevention and management program in school settings.

This is achieved by utilizing LACDMH’s staff to provide threat prevention and management assistance to threats arising from educational institutions throughout the county. START staff, in collaboration with Los Angeles County schools and law enforcement partners, responds to critical incidents and service requests in elementary, middle, high school, college and trade school campuses—preventing stated or perceived threats from escalating into more serious and potentially violent situations.