Anti-Bullying Statement:

Hillcrest understands that there are a number of factors that make our students vulnerable to bullying. We will take specific steps to create a safe, supportive environment for all of our students, and provide them with the skills, knowledge, and strategies to prevent or respond to bullying, harassment, or teasing.

We will not tolerate any unlawful or disruptive behavior, including any form of bullying, cyber-bullying, or retaliation, in our school buildings, on school grounds, or in school-related activities. We will investigate promptly all reports and complaints of bullying, cyber-bullying, and retaliation, and take prompt action to end that behavior and restore the target’s sense of safety. We will support this commitment in all aspects of our school community, including curricula, instructional programs, staff development, extracurricular activities, and parent or guardian involvement.

Our Bullying Prevention and Intervention Plan (“Plan”) is a comprehensive approach to bullying and we are committed to working with students, staff, families, law enforcement agencies, and the community to prevent violence. In consultation with these constituencies, we have established this Plan for preventing, intervening, and responding to incidents of bullying, cyber-bullying, and retaliation. Campus Administration is responsible for the implementation and oversight of the Plan.

Preventative Components:

There are basic components to our treatment approach, physical environment, and campus structure that naturally insure the prevention of bullying and cyber-bullying including, but not limited to:

• High student-to-staff ratios (no less than 3:1, and often 2:1). Students are kept within eyesight of staff at all times.

• All students (not at Housatonic Academy) receive weekly individual therapy where they are provided a safe environment to disclose incidents of bullying.

• All students participate in regular group therapy that addresses issues related to social skill development, assertiveness, self-esteem, violence, safety, etc.

• Cell phones are prohibited.

• Students do not have access to computers and/or the internet without direct adult supervision.

• All living and classroom spaces are under video surveillance for added security and safety.

• All campus staff are trained and certified in our two major treatment/intervention programs – Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) and Skills For Life (SFL), which promote therapeutic responses to any threat of aggressive and/or bullying behavior. Both programs include structured processes for preventing and responding to instances of violence and/or bullying. (see Appendices A and B)

• All pre-meditated acts of aggression, including bullying, are subject to a Panel Review of administrators, clinicians, teachers, and other relevant staff to determine corrective action/consequences ranging from relationship repair to the involvement of the local authorities.

Also see sections on:
• Student Grievance Procedures
• Communication, Notification, and Student/Parent/Guardian Involvement
• The TCI System
• Skills for Life
• Collaborative Problem Solving
• Other elements of the Hillcrest Treatment Program