Handle with Care

Educators, Law Enforcement, and mental health professionals got together this morning at the Cowan Civic Center for a presentation on a program focused on children who have been affected by crime, violence, abuse or other traumatic events that could undermine their ability to learn and interact with others in the school. The presentation led by School Response Coordinator Tammy Walden is the first step to training individuals who could be vital in disrupting the school-to-prison pipeline. It begins with law enforcement and responders to notify the school to HANDLE WITH CARE….

By using the Handle with Care notification as a tool of communication between law enforcement and the school system, it will allow the school to determine if there needs to be punitive measures taken when a student acts out, misses homework, and falls asleep in class or if the school needs to take a different approach. While speaking to the group Walden said that Handle with Care notifications would be for students of all ages who may be affected by an event. Currently, around 40 states in the U.S. have implemented the Handle with Care program, and Missouri may soon join those ranks.