New ARTO Circle protocol strengthens community response
School violence prevention
Today, organizations from across the Nipissing and Parry Sound districts came together to sign the Nipissing and Parry Sound Districts Community Assessment of Risk to Others (ARTO) Protocol. This marks an important step toward keeping students, families and the broader community safer through a unified approach to assessing and managing risks of violence.
The ARTO Circle represents the multi‑agency, multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to violence prevention. Its purpose is threefold: to prevent by proactively identifying, addressing and mitigating behaviours that indicate potential harm; to assess by gathering and analyzing information in a legal, ethical and equitable way; and to respond by coordinating a comprehensive strategy that addresses immediate risk while supporting the long‑term management of potential threats.
The ARTO Protocol is a powerful tool to address growing concerns about violence particularly in schools. Since 2018, reported violent incidents in schools have increased by 77 per cent, and 75 per cent of teachers surveyed say they have seen violence rise over the course of their careers.[1]
“Curiosity helps us ask better questions and collaboration helps us find better answers.” Says Angelina Kalliora, Gateway Hub Community and ARTO Circle Coordinator. “The ARTO circle brings both together so we can recognize risk early, respond with intention, and support safer pathways for individuals and communities alike.”
"Schools become safer when we adopt a wholistic, community approach.” Says Emily Samuel, NNDSB Principal of Safe Schools. “Through the ARTO Circle initiative, we will be able to determine the types of support services a student may need, and work as a community team to make that pathway accessible for both the youth and their family."
“The signing of this Assessment of Risk to Others (ARTO) protocol reflects our shared commitment to keeping students, staff, and school communities safe through early intervention, collaboration, and support.” Says Chief Daryl Longworth, North Bay Police Services,
“By working together with our education and community partners, we are strengthening our ability to identify risks, respond quickly, and help prevent violence before it occurs”
“The Children’s Aid Society of Nipissing & Parry Sound is a proud partner of the ARTO Circle and are committed to working together with community partners, families, and individuals toward the common goal of ensuring community safety. We truly believe that the ARTO is a protocol that will initiate timely, supportive actions and resources for individuals who may be on a pathway towards a violent incident.”
“As a Clinical Director working in integrated care across Northern Ontario, I see firsthand the importance of early, coordinated responses to individuals at risk of harm to themselves or others.” Says Robin Cheslock, Clinical Director, Integrated Services of Canadian Sheild Health Care Services. “This has been further demonstrated through my experience with other northern communities that have endorsed this protocol. The implementation of the ARTO protocol in the North Bay-West Nipissing-Parry Sound catchment area represents a significant step forward in strengthening community safety and wellbeing.
The ARTO-informed approach ensures that children, youth, and young adults identified as persons of concern are not met with isolated or reactive responses, but rather with comprehensive, wrap-around supports that address underlying needs while actively mitigating risk. What makes this model particularly impactful is its ripple effect-supporting not only the individual, but also the broader social network that surrounds them, including families, schools, neighbourhoods, and employers.
The ARTO is a powerful example of what is possible when sectors come together with a shared commitment to collaboration, prevention, and compassionate intervention. It reflects a proactive and community-centered approach that ultimately benefits everyone.”
Together, the ARTO Circle partners are creating a more coordinated, proactive approach to enhancing safety in schools and across the wider community.
About ARTO Circle Nipissing and Parry Sound Districts
The ARTO Circle brings together more than a dozen community organizations, including school boards, police services and mental health agencies, that have jointly developed and signed the Nipissing and Parry Sound Districts Community Assessment of Risk to Others (ARTO) Protocol. The protocol enables timely information sharing and coordinated intervention, supporting children, youth and families through proactive, collaborative and restorative measures, with a focus on prevention and early intervention.
[1] Chaudhary, Kunal. “Ontario Schools Are Getting More Violent. Don’t Blame the Kids.” The Walrus, 23 Mar. 2026, thewalrus.ca/ontario-schools-are-getting-more-violent-dont-blame-the-kids/.
