Issue link: http://frankenmuthcvb.uberflip.com/i/1302442
Finding a balance of communication between multiple different agencies to reach the best possible outcome for a child is no simple task. Here in Frankenmuth, the Police Department and the Frankenmuth School District have started from a great partnership and made it even better – for the care and benefit of our students. Oftentimes, children are indirectly impacted with trauma due to issues in the home, tragic incidents, or external circumstances. Both agencies recognize the need to provide direct attention to better help children process these moments. "Handle with Care" is an initiative that respects the confidentiality of students, while raising the awareness of administrators, counselors, teachers, and other school employees of the need for added attention with students at-risk. Brought formally to our Frankenmuth community by the Saginaw Intermediate School District, "Handle with Care" establishes a direct communication line from the law enforcement agencies right to the appropriate adults overseeing these children, so they can ensure the well-being of each child during traumatic events. Here's how it works; if a law enforcement officer encounters a child during a traumatic call, that child's information is forwarded to a school administrator before the school bell rings the next day in order to best prepare the adults who work with the student. The Frankenmuth School District staff have been provided with ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and trauma training and can sensitively prepare for the students as they enter school. This relationship has helped schools provide much needed resources for students and families as they cope with difficult events. H A N D L E W I T H C A R E L A W E N F O R C E M E N T S C H O O L D I S T R I C T S C H O O L C O U N S E L O R O R S O C I A L W O R K E R C O N T I N U E W I T H C L A S S / R E G U L A R A C T I V I T Y B A C K T O C L A S S – C O N T I N U E T O B E A WA R E A N D S U P P O R T A S N E E D E D T E A C H I N G S TA F F & S C H O O L P E R S O N N E L M E N TA L H E A LT H T H E R A P I S T When a child is exposed to a traumatic event, a law enforcement officer will contact the designated school personnel who will take the initial information (Handle With Care Notice) The designated school personnel will then ensure notification is provided to appropriate Teaching Staff and School Personnel Classroom Interventions Awareness Observation Support Contact Family Services and Children's Aide for Additional Support Additional Support Needed Additional Support Needed No Additional Support Needed No Additional Support Needed 22