​​​​​What does the CARE Team Stand for?

CARE stands for Crisis Assessment, Response, & Evaluation.

Who is the Care Team?

CARE is composed of the following individuals from diverse areas at each of the College:

• Dean of Student Development & Deputy Title IX Coordinator
  

• Safety & Security Lieutenant

• Psychological Counselor, Student Health & Wellness Office
  

• Disability Accommodation and Support Services Representation 
  

• Advising representation
  

• Basic Needs representation
  

• Resource Member/Subject Matter Expert, as needed
  

What is the CARE Team Responsible for?

The CARE Team is responsible for reviewing reported behaviors of concern and developing appropriate responses for campus community members. We assess the composition of the CARE Team and change membership when appropriate. We develop any needed policies, protocols, and procedures to formalize CARE Team actions in regard to reports of concern about students. We also develop and implement education and outreach plans to ensure that the campus community knows processes and contacts.

How do I know if my concern is a CARE Team Issue or if other campus resources might more appropriately handle it?

You do not have to make this determination; the CARE Team will do it for you. The most important step is that you report your concern to the CARE Team by submitting a Maxient form. If another campus resource is​​ more appropriate, the CARE Team will refer the student and coordinate continuity of care and appropriate case management documentation.

How do I make a referral to the CARE Team?

Anyone can report concerning, disruptive, or threatening behaviors to the CARE Team by:

1.     Speaking directly to a team member
2.     Submitting an online referral at www.rsccd.edu/report  

When should I make a referral to the CARE Team?

All college community members play an important role in helping others get the assistance they need to succeed. There may be signs indicating that a person is experiencing personal challenges and would benefit from support. Examples of the types of behaviors sometimes exhibited by distressed individuals that should be referred to the CARE Team include:​

• Extreme anxiety;
  
• A prolonged and significant difficulty with the demands of college;
  
• Tearfulness, frequent crying;
  
• Loss of temper or outbursts of anger;
  
• Destructive behavior, including self-injurious behavior;
  
• Displays of physical and/or domestic violence;
  
• Expressions of self-blame, guilt, or shame;
  
• Extreme sadness or depression;
  
• Deteriorating classroom performance;
  
• Disruptiveness, overly confrontational, aggression with disregard for others;
  
• Impulsiveness without giving thought to consequences of actions;
  
• Withdrawing from or avoiding others, isolating;
  
• Expressionless face;
  
• References to suicide, along with statements of hopelessness and helplessness;
  
• Speaking or writing that is violent in nature, seems bizarre, or is out of touch with reality;
  
• Violent fantasy content, expression of dark or jarring themes or images;
  
• Fascination with weapons;
  
• Homicidal ideation;
  
• Stalking;
  
• Non-compliance or disciplinary matters;
  
• Interest in previous shooting situations;
  
• Victim/martyr self-concept, allusions to grandeur;
  
• Paranoia;
  
• Violence or cruelty;
  
• Recent police contact;
  
• Unusual interest in police, military, terrorist activities, and materials;
  
• Excessive use of drugs and/or alcohol;
  
• Recent and dramatic life changes, including changes in personality, eating habits, hygiene/appearance, and/or sleep patterns;
  
• Publishing a video or communicating a plan of harm to self or others.        

Presentation of these types of behaviors in isolation may or may not indicate a more serious problem. Sharing information with the CARE Team may assist in the analysis of a pattern of behaviors that may benefit from intervention and support.

What Happens After I make a CARE referral?

When a CARE referral is submitted, the CARE Team decides upon the most appropriate person to reach out to a student of concern. This can often be accomplished without mentioning the details of the CARE referral. Sometimes a student will be asked to meet directly with a member of the CARE Team. 

The CARE Team seeks to connect students to the department(s) that will provide the best resource(s). CARE referrals are reviewed during normal business hours by people who are trained to assess and act. The Chair of the CARE Team conducts an initial assessment of every CARE referral. In many cases, the outcome of the initial assessment is simply to offer support and resources to either the individual who reports the concern, the student of concern, or both. Each situation is different and requires an individualized approach.

The CARE Team often collaborates with the reporting party and with other campus and community resources, if appropriate. The reporting party will be informed, as appropriate, of the situation concerning the privacy of all parties involved. While maintaining privacy is the CARE Team’s goal, please be aware that reports and other communication may be subject to review as outlined in federal and state laws.

What about my Confidentiality?

We can never promise confidentiality when safety is an issue, but we will make every effort to treat each case with discretion and privacy. College officials may be required to report situations involving threats to safety. Although you can submit a CARE referral and request anonymity, it is important to note students may realize you​​ submitted a CARE referral through less-direct ways (i.e., details related to that incident, information only shared by the student with one person on campus).

Who can submit a CARE Report?

Any individual is welcome to submit a CARE report. Those submitting a report are often faculty, staff, students, or parents.

I don’t see an answer to my question. Can anyone help me?

Of course! Just send an email to the CARE Team Chair at delarosa_jennifer@sac.edu.