WAKEFIELD — Executive Director Margie Daniels is pleased to announce that Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth will host the “Preventing Targeted Violence and the Impact of Gun Control” conference in Lexington later this month.
“We hope the research and strategies covered in this conference will serve as a useful and practical guide for understanding and implementing threat assessment and management at all levels,” Daniels said. “It’s critical that communities recognize and understand the threat of targeted violence and the steps that can be taken to prevent violence from taking place. We have brought together knowledgeable and experienced professionals to share their expertise.”
WHEN:
Wednesday, Jan. 29 from 8:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
WHERE:
Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library at 33 Marrett Road, Lexington
WHO:
- Margie Daniels, Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth Executive Director
- Brian Leblanc, FBI Boston Supervisory Special Agent and Joint Terrorism Task Force Member
- James Barrett, Director of the Cambridge Police Department’s Clinical Support Unit, Assistant Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School
- Scott Morrison, Superintendent, Tri-Town School Union
- Steve Burt, Director of Security & Crisis Response, Masconomet Regional School District
- Kristin Duffy, School Adjustment Counselor, Masconomet Regional High School
- David Solet, Chief of the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office Cold Case Homicide Unit
WHAT:
Educators, law enforcement and security officials from throughout Massachusetts are invited to attend the free conference, which will provide an overview of the threat of targeted violence from a law enforcement and behavioral perspective, and will examine promising strategies for preventing such attacks.
“Coordinating the care of our students — from an academic, social and emotional perspective– is essential to positive outcomes when managing potential threats and for overall student well-being,” said Masconomet High School Adjustment Counselor Kristin Duffy, who will speak at the conference.
The event will feature three presentations titled “Preventing Targeted Violence,” “How Schools Prevent Targeted Violence” and “The Impact of Gun Control from a National Perspective.” Presenters include law enforcement, education, psychology and school counseling professionals, in addition to a chief from the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office.
“I cannot stress enough the importance of having pre-existing relationships — both internally and externally– with key stakeholders,” said Masconomet Regional School District Director of Security & Crisis Response Steve Burt, who will also speak at the conference. “That way, when dealing with a threat, the response will be both efficient and effective.”
James Barrett, director of the Cambridge Police Department’s Clinical Support Unit and assistant professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, will be one of the first speakers to address those at the conference.
“The talk will walk participants through how a threat assessment actually occurs. It will cover the essential components of a complete threat assessment as well as investigative strategies for school personnel to utilize,” Barrett said.
To register for the conference, click here.
About the Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth, Inc:
Massachusetts Partnerships for Youth, Inc. is a non-profit 501.c(3) organization that provides training, fosters collaboration, and develops programming to increase the health and safety of students. MPY is committed to bringing cutting-edge information and high quality trainings to constituents and endeavors to provide solution-oriented, community-based, multi-disciplinary approaches to reducing and ideally eliminating risky behaviors for youth.
The nonprofit is governed by a Board of Directors made up of school superintendents, police and fire chiefs, and other community leaders who work closely with MPY staff to deliver this mission.
To learn more, visit www.mpyinc.org.
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