Handle with Care
How Does the Program Work?
The concept is simple...
Law enforcement at the scene of a crime, violence and/or abuse identify children at the scene who have been exposed to trauma.
The child's name, age and school are sent by Law Enforcement in a confidential notice to the child's school before the child starts school the next day. No other information is given except the child's name and 3 words: "Handle With Care"
As schools learn to be trauma sensitive, proper interventions can mitigate the negative effects of trauma on the child. If the child acts out, the teacher has a heads up and may send the child to the counselor instead of the principal.
Role of the School District
The specific school the student attends will receive notice of a Handle With Care student via the HWC email address.
If a student exhibits behavior or emotional problems, the teacher will implement trauma sensitive interventions and/or refer the student to the counselor.
Ideally, teachers and staff will be trained on the impact of trauma on learning.
Interventions may include:
- re-teaching lessons
- Postponing tests
- Interventions by school counselor
- a referral to an outside agency
Tips for Teachers
1. Be Aware
- Watch for signs of crying, anger or withdrawal
- Handle child with care
- If needed, refer the student to the appropriate staff member.
2. Be Mindful
3. Do Not
- press for information
- question
- draw unnecessary attention to the student
- treat the student differently
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