When you see the words crime scene, does that prompt an image in your head? What about house fire, traffic accident, or domestic dispute? What do you imagine that looks like? When law enforcement arrives on a scene, they see a lot; people who are sad, stunned, angry, or hurt. They see children too. In these types of traumatic scenarios, children can often appear oblivious to or unaffected by what is happening around them - playing with siblings while parents are questioned, laughing and making jokes with paramedics, or sitting silently while observing all that is happening around them.

 

First responders in Gratiot County are certainly mindful when children are present and do their best to comfort children while they are on scene. But how do we help a child exposed to a traumatic event after first responders leave?  How can we help ensure children have additional support in the days and weeks following a traumatic event, particularly in the classroom where they spend much of their time? Child Advocacy along with the Gratiot-Isabella RESD joined forces with Gratiot County schools and area law enforcement agencies ¹ to consider these questions. In response, Handle With Care-Gratiot County was launched in March of this year.

 

Research shows that trauma can undermine children's ability to learn, form relationships, and function appropriately in the classroom. Trauma exposure can often cause abrupt changes in a child's behavior or impact their performance in school. Handle With Care programs promote partnerships to ensure that children exposed to trauma in their home, school, or community receive appropriate supports to help them achieve academically at their highest levels despite whatever traumatic circumstances they may have endured. 

 

The program is straightforward. If law enforcement is dispatched to a location of a potentially traumatic event ² and children are present, they issue a notice that is channeled directly to the school the child attends. The notice identifies the child's name and the simple phrase " Handle with Care." This alerts relevant school personnel to monitor the child, to make reasonable accommodations for that child if necessary, and to alert parents or caregivers if further support or services may be helpful.

 

Be The Positive

Submitted by: Ty Warczinsky