Handle With Care

Suggested Education Protocol

• When a child is exposed to violence or trauma, a law enforcement officer or first responder will fill out a Handle With Care Notification through the Handle With Care platform.  This will go straight to the school district and school of attendance.

• The school designee will then ensure the Handle With Care Notification is provided to the appropriate teacher(s).  A process should be developed to alert appropriate school staff of the child's exposure to trauma (such as notifying the teacher(s) via email or by a phone call as soon as possible).

• Teachers will observe the child's behavior/academic performance and utilize trauma sensitive interventions as deemed appropriate.

Intervention Examples:

• Homework forgiveness

• Allowed to rest at nurse's office

• Postponing test

• Providing tutoring

• Monitoring child's nutritional needs

• If the child exhibits problems (emotional/behavioral/academic/etc.), the teacher should refer the child to the school counselor.

• The school counselor will assess the child's needs to determine if counseling/services are needed and make a recommendation to the parent/guardian.

• The counselor or social worker will refer the caregiver/child for follow-up services as deemed appropriate.

• The school should attempt to obtain written consent from the parent/guardian for care providers and school staff to communicate about the best interest of the child.

• School districts are encouraged to provide trauma sensitive training to all school employees if possible.