CARE Team

Delaware County Community College is concerned about the health, welfare and safety of its students, faculty and staff. We’re committed to providing an environment where individuals can learn, work and teach successfully. Our College’s CARE Team is made up of an interdisciplinary group for assessing, recognizing and educating students who are in apparent or potential distress at any of the College’s campuses or sites, and could benefit from the safety net of the College’s CARE Team.

In 2023-2024, the CARE Team reviewed and helped with over 110 referrals from our College community.

Although the team focuses on preventing a threat and/or crisis before it occurs, it will react to sudden or crisis behavioral concerns when they occur as well. Our CARE Team’s response is not meant to take the place of standard classroom management techniques, alter the student code of conduct or replace other processes, including the complaint or harassment processes. Instead, the team provides a structure that allows all College community members to be actively engaged in creating a safe environment for students, faculty and staff alike.

To refer a concern to the CARE Team, students, faculty, and staff can use our web form, which allows for anonymous submissions. Providing your name helps us address concerns effectively. Each report is promptly emailed to CARE Team members, who discuss and respond during regular meetings.

In case of a life-threatening mental health emergency, dial 911 for immediate police and ambulance response. For urgent mental health needs, call 988 or contact local crisis services:

Delaware County Crisis Connection Team: 1-855-889-7827

Chester County Crisis Service: 610-280-3270

Philadelphia Crisis Response: 215-686-4420

FAQs

Who can submit a referral?

Anyone who is concerned about the behavior of a student at the College is encouraged to submit a CARE referral. Some students may feel more comfortable reporting a concern to counselors, faculty or staff members who will send the information to the CARE Team directly.

Should I approach the student first?

Whenever possible, you should express your concern directly to the student.

What if I’m not ready to make a report, but I just need some advice about handling a student issue?

You can contact the CARE Team Chair, Charles Schnur, at 610-359-7389, the site coordinator at a branch location or Counseling Services at any of our branch locations for consultation on a concern. These individuals will provide tips, ideas and resources on how to approach a situation.

What if I’m not sure if I should report the concern?

You are registering a concern based on an observed behavior (e.g. verbal exchange, disruption, inappropriate action) and not making a determination. Let the College’s CARE Team weigh the information and decide if gathering more information is warranted.

How do I determine if the behavior is best addressed by the CARE Team or other College resources?

You do not need to make this determination. The critical step is that you report the concerning behavior. If another College resource is more appropriate, the CARE Team will refer the student and transfer the information to that resource.

What will happen after I make a referral?

CARE Team members evaluate every report and identify next steps that are appropriate to the situation.

Will the person get in trouble?

The focus of the College’s CARE Team is to provide a safety net so that the student of concern is appropriately supported. If there is an alleged conduct violation for a student, the report could be referred to the Office of Student Conduct.

Can I submit anonymously?

The CARE Referral form does not require your name to be entered, but we encourage you to identify yourself because this may assist the CARE Team if clarification or if additional information is needed.

What should I do if I have a question not answered above?

All questions and suggestions are welcomed. You can contact the CARE Team Chair, Charles Schnur, at 610-359-7389, or the site coordinator at a branch location.