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CARE Team

CARE Team (Coordination, Assessment, Response, and Intervention)


Who We Are

The CARE Team is a dedicated group of appointed staff and faculty at SUNY Suffolk. Our mission is to support student success and ensure the safety and well-being of our college community.

We invite students, faculty and members of the college community to learn about this initiative and take an active role in ensuring the success and safety of our students and community. By making a referral to CARE, you are helping connect students to the support they need.

If You Suspect an Immediate Safety Concern:

  • If there is a concern for safety (themes of, or direct statements of, self-harm, suicide, or harm to others, seems out of touch with reality, displays delusional or aggressive behavior, etc.) call the Office of Public Safety at (631) 451-4242.
  • Once you’ve gotten immediate help from Public Safety, make a referral to the CARE team.

What We Do

  • Group of students supporting each other looking at a sunsetIdentify and Assess: We are here to identify students who may be struggling academically, emotionally, or psychologically. We also address concerns about students who may pose a risk to themselves or others.
  • Respond: Upon receiving referrals, our team conducts thorough and objective assessments to understand each situation. Based on these assessments, we deploy appropriate interventions tailored to the individual’s needs.
  • Support: Our primary goal is to support students and foster a positive learning environment. We focus on providing resources and assistance, rather than taking punitive actions. We work collaboratively to help students overcome challenges and achieve their academic and personal goals.
  • Educate: We offer educational resources and training to the college community to promote awareness and understanding of the issues students may face.

If you have any concerns about a student or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the CARE Team. We are here to help and ensure a supportive, safe environment for everyone at SUNY Suffolk.

For more information or to make a referral, please contact care@sunysuffolk.edu from your college email address.

Submit a Referral

How the CARE Team Works

At SUNY Suffolk, the CARE Team is dedicated to addressing concerns about student well-being and safety with clarity and effectiveness. Our goal is to support students effectively and ensure the safety of our community, rather than to impose punitive measures.

Here’s a step-by-step overview of how our process works:

1

Referral Submission

Referrals are submitted via email, which is monitored during normal business hours. Referrals are reviewed by a member of the team daily.
2

Information Gathering

We start by collecting additional details to better understand the situation. This may involve reaching out for further information or consulting with relevant parties.
3

Weekly Team Meetings

The CARE Team convenes weekly to discuss referrals and assess each case. We review the collected information to determine the appropriate response.
4

Objective Assessment

The team evaluates the level of concern, risk, or threat associated with each case. This objective assessment helps us decide on the most suitable intervention.
5

Deployment of Interventions

Based on our assessment, we deploy appropriate interventions, which may include:

  • One-on-One Meetings: Direct discussions with a CARE Team member to provide support and guidance.
  • Case Management Services: Coordinated services to address ongoing needs and concerns.
  • Police/Public Safety Response: In situations requiring immediate safety measures or law enforcement involvement.
  • Mandated Evaluations: Referrals for evaluations to assess safety and risk concerns.

When Do I Refer?

If you become concerned about a student's well-being, and have no immediate concern for safety, please submit a referral to the CARE Team.

If you are concerned for a student's immediate safety, call Public Safety right away at (631) 451-4242, and then make a referral to the CARE Team.

These indicators will help you know what to look for:

 

Academic Indicators

  1. A sudden or unexpected change in classroom behavior or performance
  2. Decline in enthusiasm for class (e.g. no longer participating in class discussions)
  3. Frequent requests for special provisions (e.g. late papers, extension requests, postponed exams)
  4. Disruptive, hardened, or unusual participation in class (e.g. questions off topic, argumentative in discussions)
  5. Strange or concerning writing (e.g. writing is off topic to prompt, writing includes violent imagery, fantasy)
  6. Poor focus or attention during class

Emotional Indicators

  1. Explosive or impulsive behavior
  2. Emotions that are extreme for the situation
  3. Teasing or bullying (receiving or giving)
  4. Social withdrawal, isolation, loneliness
  5. Change in typical personality (more outgoing or more withdrawn than usual)
  6. Difficulty dealing with an event (e.g. death of a loved one)
  7. Mentions dealing with depression, anxiety, substance use, eating disorder, etc
  8. Marked irritability, anger, hostility, etc.
  9. Talking to or seeing things that aren’t there
  10. Delusional or paranoid speech or actions
  11. Difficulty connecting with others
  12. Expressions of hopelessness, worthlessness, etc.
  13. Talks about themes of suicide, loss of will to live, etc.
  14. Directly mentions self-harm, suicide, or harm to others

Physical Indicators

  1. Chronic fatigue or falling asleep at inappropriate times
  2. Marked change in personal hygiene or appearance
  3. Noticeable change in energy level
  4. Dramatic weight loss or gain
  5. Confused, disjointed thoughts, speech, or actions
  6. Attends class or work hungover/intoxicated, or frequently appears hungover/intoxicated
  7. Signs of self-injury (cuts, burns, etc.)

What to Include in Your Referral

Please include the following when making a referral:

  1. Demographic information (if known): name, student ID #, contact information.
  2. Objective description of actual observed behavior, statement, written communication, etc. that led to your concern.
  3. Specific examples including direct quotes of what was said, emails exchanged, assignments submitted, etc. that are relevant to your concern.

For behaviors that do not align with the SUNY Suffolk Code of Conduct, the CARE Team will make a referral to campus conduct officers and/or associate deans.

How to Submit a Referral

To make a referral, send an email to care@sunysuffolk.edu from your college email address with the requested information above.

Submit a Referral

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What if the person asks me to keep their information confidential and they don’t want me to make a referral?

A. If you have concerns and information that is important for others to know, you should make the referral. Unless you are a licensed counselor, doctor, or clergy, you do not have confidentiality to offer. FERPA allows you to share this information with the CARE Team. Explain to the person that the purpose of the referral is to ensure they have the most appropriate support for their current challenges.

Q. Will you let me know what happens?

A. We will only share as much as is appropriate with you. Keep in mind that we want to help the individual feel safe and comfortable sharing information with the CARE Team without fear that sensitive information will be shared with others.