Handle with Care

Tina.....I sit on the Children's Justice Task Force for the state of Mo. We were made aware of this Handle With Care idea a couple of years ago. One of the sheriffs that sits on the committee stated that he would see if he could trial this in his community. To my knowledge there was never any follow through. Unfortunately, that is what often happens with government. I wanted you to know that I see no reason why this can't start with our schools. The local school superintendant or principal could take the information to their local police or sheriffs department. I've added information about this program in my power point presentation on ACEs and share this with any group of educators that I speak to. Not sure if any districts are having further discussion and moving this forward but I am spreading the word about this program. I think it is very simple and an awesome idea. Teachers do need to know that a child has suffered some trauma the evening before or over the weekend. They don't need to know what happened but just that something did and we need to be sensitive to the child's needs. Rene

Maryland is just getting started.  I am not sure of the jurisdictions yet but I am strongly advocating for it in the Baltimore Metro Region

Zoe Lyons posted:

Michigan is also doing Handle With Care after attending a training in W. Virginia.  What other states are doing HWC in the country and how has it been going?

Metro Nashville Public Schools (contact @Mary Crnobori) and Albany NY city school district (more here and here) are both implementing HWC.  There's also lots of interest and traction in a few Montana counties.  

Michigan is also doing Handle With Care after attending a training in W. Virginia.  What other states are doing HWC in the country and how has it been going?