Student Safety Definitions
Suspected or reported abuse (physical, emotional, sexual), or neglect, both current and/or historical
Our Behavioral Health Specialists (BHS) are trained to assist KS employees in making reports to Child Welfare Services or the Police and can facilitate additional services for the student as needed. Notify BHS whenever a KS employee receives knowledge of potential child abuse, neglect, or sexual misconduct. For more information, please refer to: Procedure 201.1.02 — Reporting Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect.
Additionally, if a student presents with any of the following behaviors (including but not limited to those below) and/or if a person reports concern to a staff member about another student in-person, via email, written assignment or through the Hi‘ikua Help Line, PLEASE IMMEDIATELY CALL FOR BHS SUPPORT:
Danger to Self – Suicidal ideation, self-harm, increasing depressive symptoms
Definition: A student who may verbalize, write, or post on social media about wanting to take their own life, wishing they were dead or that they would die, including any plans to commit suicide. A student who recently threatened or attempted suicide or some serious bodily injury. A student who may demonstrate dangerous or reckless behaviors through some recent act, attempt or threat of self-mutilation (i.e. cutting, scratching, burning, picking, etc.).
Current suicidal thoughts, prior suicide attempts
Danger to Others – threats of violence or harm to others
Definition: A student who may verbalize, write, or post on social media about wanting to physically hurt or harm another person, group of people, or pet. A student who states a specific or general threat of violence, including homicidal or thoughts of revenge which can appear vague or in the form of a detailed plan.
Previous violent behavior (hurting animals, hurting others)
Fascination with and playing with fire or dangerous objects
Anti-social behaviors (very few friends), victim of abuse at home or school
A condition of being Gravely Disabled – psychotic symptoms, bizarre behaviors, sudden change in personality/social behavior, or intoxication.
Definition: A student who may display a sudden inability to care for their basic “Activities of Daily Living” (i.e. hygiene, dressing, eating, continence, or mobility). A student who may describe hallucinations (auditory, visual) or agitation or present as catatonic (immobile or unresponsive) or intoxicated.
Intoxication or ongoing substance use
Debilitating physical illness
Current or history of high anxiety episodes, paranoia
If the situation is not safe or the student appears to require emergent medical care: call 911, notify Campus Security, Behavioral Health Supervisor, Behavioral Health Manager, and Student Health Services Director.
