Handle with Care

When a child is there, handle with care.

Handle With Care is a collaborative cross-systems, trauma informed program aimed at ensuring that children who are exposed to adverse events receive appropriate interventions at school and have opportunities to build resilience through positive relationships with teachers and first responders.

When first responders respond to a call in the community where a child is involved in a traumatic incident, the responder sends a notice to the child’s school district. This protocol allows school staff to provide additional support to students in the days following adverse/traumatic experiences and monitor for any ongoing needs. The Board acts as the coordinator and trainer for the program. Most of the school districts and police departments in Portage County participate in Handle With Care.