NatCon 2025 - Breakout Sessions

Flipping the Script: An Evidence-Based Protocol to Address Elopement Behavior

Written by CharacterStrong | Jun 4, 2025 9:06:40 PM

Flipping the Script: An Evidence-Based Protocol to Address Elopement Behavior

Dr. Clay Cook, Chief Development Officer, CharacterStrong

Topic: Student Relationships and Behavior

Grade Band: K-12

Audience:  Counselors, Building Leadership, District Leadership

Tier: Tier 3

Room: 404, Session 4

Elopement, when students leave class or campus without permission, often forces schools into crisis mode and creates unsafe situations for students and staff. This behavior challenges schools' ability to provide a safe and consistent learning environment. In this session, participants will learn an evidence-based protocol to proactively address and prevent elopement. The step-by-step approach reduces elopement to zero levels, stabilizes things schoolwide, and supports student success. This practical framework focuses on addressing root causes, building safety measures, and ensuring a calm, structured response.

Resources: Slide Deck