Handle With Care for Schools

• When a child is exposed to violence or trauma, a law enforcement officer or CPS worker will contact the identified school personnel (superintendent’s office, principal or counselor) who will take the initial information (Handle With Care Notice).
• The superintendent’s office, principal or counselor will then ensure notification is provided to appropriate teacher(s).
• Teachers will observe child’s behavior/academic performance and utilize trauma sensitive interventions as appropriate.
• If child exhibits problems (emotional/behavioral/academic, etc.), the teacher will refer the child to the school counselor.
• The school counselor will assess the child’s needs to determine if counseling/services are needed and make a recommendation to the parent/guardian.
• The counselor or social worker will refer the caregiver/child for follow-up services as deemed appropriate.
• The school will attempt to obtain written consent from the parent/guardian for care providers and school staff to communicate about the best interest of the child.
• School to provide trauma sensitive training to ALL school employees. A process will be developed to alert appropriate school staff of the child’s exposure to violence.
• School to provide space for specialized trauma therapist.
• Quarterly Defending Childhood Initiative Team Meeting.
  At least quarterly, key DCI stakeholders will review and evaluate DCI and make recommendations for improvement as necessary.
  • Law Enforcement
  • School
  • Advocates
  • Counselors
• Case workers
• Community partners
• Parents
• Others

The Team will assess the following to determine the effectiveness of DCI: academic achievements; truancies; and disciplinary reports. The meeting will not focus on specific cases.