Program will help children with effects of trauma
Published 5:05 pm, Tuesday, March 13, 2018
UPPER THUMB — Starting this month, children and youth in Huron and Tuscola counties will be “handled with care” in their schools, following a distressing event that requires intervention from local law enforcement officers and personnel.
Collaborating to bring a program called, “Handle With Care,” to Huron and Tuscola counties are: The law enforcement community, every school district within the counties, Huron Behavioral Health and Tuscola Behavioral Health Systems, Thumb Area Psychological Services, List Psychological Services, New Light Consultants, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Offices in Huron and Tuscola counties.
The program was developed in West Virginia and provides the school with a heads up when a child has been identified at the scene of a traumatic event — such as a house fire, a domestic violence situation, a shooting, an arrest of a family member, a drug raid, or a motor vehicle accident.
Police officers are prepared to look around for children when they are on the scene and determine their name and where they go to school. Before school starts the next day they will make sure the school is sent a note that simply says to, “Handle that particular child with care.”
The program was designed to help children struggling with the effects of trauma by allowing their teachers just that bit of insight into the child’s previous day. It will also be able to better address issues in the classroom and provide needed support for students experiencing trauma.
If the child needs more extensive assistance in working through what they witnessed, the school will work with the parents to provide a trauma informed response by local mental health providers on-site at the school.
“All too often, a child is misread early on in how they’re really coping with a traumatic experience," said Huron County Sheriff Kelly J. Hanson. "It is important that assumptions are not made and that the child is monitored for a period of time to make sure extra attention and help is given if need be. The Handle With Care program is certainly another tool to do just that.”
“The law enforcement community believes that dealing with childhood trauma is a key step in having these kids grow up to be stable, successful members of our community," added Tuscola County Sheriff Glen Skrent.
Area superintendents also acknowledged the new program coming to the Upper Thumb.
“The schools of Huron County look forward to collaborating with law enforcement and other county agencies to implement the Handle with Care program," said Huron Intermediate School District Superintendent Joe Murphy. "We will continue to focus on the needs and safety of every student, especially those experiencing trauma in their lives."
"It is crucial to have all agencies working together to best serve our students and families," added Tuscola Intermediate School District Superintendent Gene Pierce. "Keeping our students safe and working together to recognize warning signs at all levels will improve how our students respond to traumatic instances. We are fortunate in Tuscola and Huron counties to move forward with Handle with Care.”