A CARE Referral is a form used to report concerns about a student who may be in distress and/or exhibiting disruptive or threating behaviors. Members of the CARE team (see below) review referrals in a timely manner to assess any potential risk to the student or the campus community, implement necessary interventions, and connect students to appropriate resources.
When should a CARE Referral be made?
When you are concerned about a student who may be experiencing distress or is exhibiting concerning or unusual behaviors.
Examples:
- Concerning change in behavior
- Suddenly becomes withdrawn, stops participating or attending, appears distressed
- Confusing, alarming, or paranoid emails or statements
- Noticeable decline in hygiene, appearance, or overall functioning
- Signs or statements of mental health struggles
- Frequently talks about feeling hopeless, overwhelmed, or unable to cope
- Mentions anxiety, panic attacks, or depression affecting academics
- Expresses recent family crisis, grief, housing instability, illness, etc.
- Expresses lacking support system and/or appears extremely isolated
- Disruptive or concerning behavior
- Emotional outbursts, increasingly agitated or argumentative
- Obsessing about politics, word events, conspiracies, etc.
- Talking candidly about weapons – what they currently own and/or are planning to purchase
- Questioning rules about having weapons on campus
- Safety or wellbeing concerns – suicidal expression*, domestic violence, stalking, or harassment, food/housing/basic needs insecurity.
Can I complete the form anonymously?
Yes, however, it would be helpful if the CARE Team had your name to clarify information if needed. Your name will not be shared with the student.
What if I don’t have all the information requested on the form?
Complete as much as you can. A CARE Team member will contact you if additional information or clarification is needed.
Who is on the CARE Team?
- Dean of Student Success
- Safety and Security staff
- Resource Coordinator
- Counselor
- Disability Support Services staff
- Student Health Services staff
- Vice President of Student Affairs
What happens after I submit the form?
The report is routed to the CARE Team members. A member of the CARE Team will reach out to the student, obtain additional information, and offer RCTC support services when appropriate.
If there is concern of suicidal ideation, review and follow the Suicide Risk Protocol (available to RCTC employees).