HANDLE WITH CARE STL
PROTECT • HEAL • THRIVE
The Role of Law Enforcement & First Responders
When a child is exposed to violence or trauma, a law enforcement officer or first responder will send a Handle with Care notice that says:
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"One or more children were on the scene of a potentially traumatic incident within the past 24 hours and could exhibit academic, emotional, and/or behavioral problems as a result, please"
HANDLE THEM WITH CARE
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This notice is sent via a confidential web portal to the school before the start of the next school day.
The Role of Schools
The school district administrator, school counselors and social workers receive the Handle with Care notice and share it with the child's teacher and/or other staff on a "need to know basis only".
The school staff, now aware of the exposure, can observe the child's behavior and/or learning more closely.
Staff receive training through Alive & Well and are ready to provide trauma sensitive support right away so the child can feel safe and ready to learn.
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The Role of Mental Health Providers
As a final protective, preventative intervention, the school counselor or social worker will assess the child's needs.
Research shows that trauma can undermine a child's ability to learn, form relationships, and function appropriately in the classroom.
As a result, the school counselor or social worker will use this assessment to determine if the child would benefit from additional mental health services and make the referral if needed.
THE "HANDLE WITH CARE"
(HWC) MODEL
If a law enforcement officer or first responder encounters a child during a call, that child’s information is forwarded to the school before the school bell rings the next day.
The School will implement individual, class and whole school trauma-sensitive curricula so that traumatized children are “Handled with Care”.
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If a child needs more intervention, on-site trauma-focused mental healthcare is available at the school.
PARTNERS
Handle With Care Partners include:
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Law Enforcement
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First Responders
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Schools and School Districts
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Child Advocacy Agencies
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Mental Health Providers
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Community Partners
"The true character of a society is revealed in how it treats its children"
Nelson Mandela
TRAINED LAW ENFORCEMENT
290
135
COUNSELORS & SOCIAL WORKERS
75
PARTICIPATING HWC SCHOOLS