The SBDI Toolkit: A Community Resource for Reducing School-Based Arrests

This toolkit provides a step-by-step guide for implementing some of the core principles and activities of the full SBDI initiative. A simple-to-use checklist is included to guide you through implementation of key SBDI elements. There are self-assessment questions listed at the beginning of each section of the toolkit to determine your school’s level of need and your readiness to review disciplinary procedures such as the use of in-school arrests.

The toolkit is divided into two sections. Section 1 provides a description of Tier I Universal SBDI and lists prevention strategies and four immediate action steps that your school can implement right away. These activities are designed to help prepare your school to effectively prevent and manage emotional-behavioral crises among students. Section II describes additional steps included in Tiers II and III of the comprehensive intervention for schools seeking more intensive interventions.

If, after following these steps, your school continues to struggle with high numbers of arrests, difficulties addressing behavior problems that place students at risk for arrest, or unmet behavioral health needs, you are encouraged to connect with SBDI Coordinators at the Child Health and Development Institute to seek further consultation or to discuss more intensive approaches to addressing these issues.