On February 10th, the Oklahoma Sheriffs Association is providing Handle With Care Oklahoma training to 19 new sheriffs at their annual Sheriffs Academy.
The Handle With Care Model: “If a law enforcement officer 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 implements individual, class and whole school trauma-sensitive curricula so that traumatized children are “Handled With Care”. If a child needs more intervention, on-site trauma-focused mental healthcare is available at the school.”
With the collaboration of OSDE and ODMHSAS, schools across the state are receiving trauma-sensitive training and are creating school mental health/MDT Teams.
A HWC notice could result in simple school supports (such as providing a snack, a change of clothes, or quiet place to nap) or longer-term supports such as counseling, peer support groups, social services, etc. Data proves that early intervention and positive supports increases children staying in school, encourages learning, and promotes them to become thriving adults.
Video: What is Handle With Care?
- https://vimeo.com/380526937
- Fact Sheet
- Flowchart
- Sample MOU with Law Enforcement
- How to Get Started in my County?
- Use the SALUD AMERICA! HANDLE WITH CARE ACTION PACK to get model emails, materials, and coaching to help you set up a “Handle With Care” notification system where police alert schools when they encounter kids at a traumatic scene, enabling schools to support these kids.