Purpose of the CARE Team
The North Idaho College CARE Team is a multidisciplinary group of professionals dedicated to identifying, assessing, and supporting students of concern. Its purpose is to promote a safe and healthy learning environment by connecting students to resources, reducing barriers to academic success, and intervening when behavior is disruptive, concerning, or potentially threatening.
Following National Association for Behavioral Intervention and Threat Assessment best practices, the CARE Team operates proactively, not punitively, to ensure that students receive the support they need before concerns escalate.
Why reporting matters
NIC employees play a critical role in identifying students who may be struggling personally, academically or emotionally. You are often the first to notice when a student exhibits signs of distress, disengagement or concerning behavior.
Reporting these concerns allows the CARE Team to:
- Provide early intervention and holistic support
- Connect students to campus and community resources
- Reduce risk of harm to self or others
- Improve retention by removing barriers to success
- Foster a caring and responsive campus culture
Examples of reportable concerns include (but are not limited to):
- Sudden decline in academic performance or attendance
- Noticeable changes in mood, behavior or appearance
- Expressions of hopelessness, anxiety or anger
- Food, housing, or financial insecurity
- Significant life stressors (family illness, loss, legal issues)
- Threatening, aggressive or erratic behavior
The CARE Team Process: From Referral to Case Closure
- Referral Submission
Anyone can submit a referral through the NIC CARE Team Referral Form. Referrals should be detailed, factual, and timely. If there is immediate danger or a safety concern, always contact Campus Security or 911 first. - Initial Review and Triage
Upon receipt, the CARE Team Case Manager and/or Chair reviews the referral to assess urgency, gather additional context, and determine appropriate next steps. - Team Assessment and Action Plan
The full CARE Team meets regularly to discuss cases, evaluate risk, and develop action plans. Plans may include outreach, wellness checks, academic support coordination, mental health referrals, or temporary accommodations. The team uses structured, evidence-based risk and protective factor models to guide decision-making. - Student Outreach and Engagement
A team member, usually the Case Manager, contacts the student to offer support and services. The outreach is framed in a non-disciplinary, student-centered manner. - Monitoring and Follow-up
The CARE Team monitors ongoing cases, adjusting support plans as needed. The team may collaborate with academic advisors, faculty, counseling services, residence life, or other departments to ensure continuity of care. - Case Closure
Cases are closed when the student has been successfully connected to resources, the concern has been resolved, or continued monitoring is no longer necessary. Faculty or staff who submitted the referral may receive a follow-up, as appropriate, while maintaining student confidentiality.
Confidentiality and FERPA Compliance
The CARE Team operates in full compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA permits the sharing of information among school officials with a legitimate educational interest. This means that faculty and staff are legally allowed, and encouraged, to share information with the CARE Team if it supports the health, safety, or educational interests of a student.
Referrals to the CARE Team are not disciplinary and do not become part of a student’s academic record. The team’s goal is care and connection, not punishment.
Your Role in Student Success
North Idaho College’s mission includes supporting the holistic development and success of every student. The CARE Team depends on the vigilance, compassion, and partnership of faculty and staff. When in doubt, refer. A timely report can make a life-changing difference in a student’s life.
For questions or consultations, contact the CARE Team Chair or Case Manager directly.
Thank you for your commitment to student care and campus well-being.