FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What is the CARE Team?

  The Consult, Assessment, Response & Educate (CARE) Team was established to support the health, safety, and well-being of students and the campus community. We evaluate potential risks to individuals and others, intervening when necessary while also identifying and assisting those in need.

  Our team adopts a preventative approach to risk assessment, providing resources, referrals, and support to both individuals of concern and those affected by their behavior.

• Who can make a referral to the CARE Team?

  Anyone! The CARE Team accepts referrals from anyone who is concerned about a student. This could include faculty or staff, University Police, Campus Residences, a parent or family member, or even a fellow student. Referrals can be made by completing our online reporting form, emailing us at CARE@stonybrook.edu, or calling 631-632-CARE (2273). While reports may be submitted anonymously, we encourage you to include your contact information so we can follow up, gather more details if needed, and ensure a thoughtful, thorough response. We’re here to help.

  A CARE referral should NOT be used for emergency situations. If you are experiencing an emergency situation, please call university police at 333 for on-campus emergencies or 911 for off-campus emergencies.

• Why was I referred to the CARE Team?

  Students are referred to the CARE Team for a variety of reasons- primarily when someone is concerned about a student’s well-being, health, or safety.

• Am I in trouble?

  No, the CARE Team process is not disciplinary. The CARE Team seeks to support students and help maintain a safe campus community.

• I have received a letter informing me that I need to have a Mandated Assessment. What does that mean?

  A Mandated Assessment is a series of meetings aimed at understanding the factors affecting a student’s well-being and helping them create a plan to stay safe and supported moving forward. During these meetings, we also work with the student to explore helpful resources—both on and off campus. Before beginning the Mandated Assessment process, students may meet with the Case Manager to learn more about the CARE Team, review their individual requirements, and ask any questions they may have.

• May I have my parents join me in the Mandated Assessment meetings?

  Yes! We encourage families to be involved in the Mandated Assessment process.

• I have already been assessed at the hospital. Why do I need to go through another process?

  Some students are referred to the CARE Team after being transported to the hospital due to concerns about their well-being. While the hospital determines whether inpatient care is needed. Hospitalization is different from maintaining safe behavior in our unique educational environment.

• Who will find out about my participation in this process?

  Student privacy is important to us. Only people who need to know about the concerning behavior, or a student’s participation in the process, will be informed. Records are protected by FERPA and stored securely. It is important to know that the University may share information with appropriate parties, including parents, when there is a health or safety emergency.

• Do other universities have a CARE Team?

  Most colleges and universities have a team like our CARE Team. Other common names include Threat Assessment Team, Behavioral Assessment Team, or Behavioral Intervention Team.

• How do I learn more?

  If you don't see an answer to your question, please reach out to the CARE Team directly at (631) 632-2273 or via email at CARE@stonybrook.edu. They'll be happy to assist you!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

(FOR REPORTERS)

• What is the CARE Team?

  The Consult, Assessment, Response & Educate (CARE) Team was established to support the health, safety, and well-being of students and the campus community. We evaluate potential risks to individuals and others, intervening when necessary while also identifying and assisting those in need.

  Our team adopts a preventative approach to risk assessment, providing resources, referrals, and support to both individuals of concern and those affected by their behavior.

• Who is on the CARE Committee?

  The CARE Committee consists of specialists from various campus departments, all committed to supporting students and ensuring their success both academically and personally. Committee members bring expertise in areas such as law enforcement, threat assessment, physical and mental health, human resources, housing and residence life, university operations, and student affairs.

• Who can make a referral to the CARE Team?

  Any individual is welcome to submit a CARE referral.  Most often those submitting a report are faculty, staff, students or parents. A CARE referral should NOT be used for emergency situations. If you are experiencing an emergency situation, please call university police at 333 for on-campus emergencies or 911 for off-campus emergencies.

• How do I make a CARE referral?

  Anyone can report concerning, disruptive, or threatening behaviors to the CARE Team by using the online reporting form. Reports may be submitted anonymously, but providing your contact information is preferred. This allows us to follow up, gather additional details, and ensure a thorough response.

• Are CARE reports anonymous?

  While anonymity is not always possible or in the best interest of a student, if you wish to remain anonymous, the CARE team will do its best to honor your privacy.

• What happens after a report is made?

  After a CARE Referral is submitted via the online form, a “CARE Notification” email is sent to the CARE Team. The Case Manager gathers additional information and, using the NABITA risk rubric, develops an outreach plan. A team member is then assigned to provide consultation and education and connect the student with relevant academic, social, and emotional support resources.

• How do I know if my CARE referral was received?

  The CARE Team will make every effort to respond to your report. However, please note that we must uphold the student's privacy, and certain laws may prevent us from sharing specific details about our follow-up actions with you.

• Can CARE referrals be used for graduate as well as undergraduate students?

  Yes, CARE referrals can be used for both graduate and undergraduate students. The team is here to support the health and safety needs of all students in the campus community.

• Does CARE provide training on how to help students of concern?

  Yes, CARE offers training on how to assist students of concern. These training sessions equip participants with the tools and strategies to recognize and respond effectively to students in need of support.

• I don’t see an answer to my question, can anyone help me?

  If you don't see an answer to your question, please reach out to the CARE Team directly at (631) 632-2273 or via email at CARE@stonybrook.edu. They’ll be happy to assist you!

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