On Wednesday, March 29th, TCESC C&I Supervisor Denise Holloway partnered with the Ohio State Highway Patrol to introduce "Handle with Care" to Trumbull County Districts, first responders, and local mental health organizations. Ohio Handle With Care is a trauma-informed, collaborative, cross-systems response to adverse childhood experiences that promotes resilience through positive relationships between school staff and first responders.
This collaboration between our districts, local first responders, and TCESC aims to alert school staff when a child experiences an adverse event so that they can handle the child with care. Aligned first responders inform the TCESC Handle With Care team of the specific student who experienced the traumatic event. The team then relays the message to the school district, enabling them to provide proper care for the affected student.
The Hubbard Local School District and the police department look forward to this program to provide another tool to address students' needs before issues escalate. "This program is a huge benefit for students and another tool to interact before issues become larger on a daily basis," said Hubbard Police Chief Robert Thompson.
Lieutenant Morrison of the Ohio State Highway Patrol Warren Post brought the program to the TCESC several months ago, emphasizing the importance of community support for young children's mental well-being during adverse events. 'Handle with Care' helps children understand that everyone in their community, especially the school district and first responders, cares for their well-being," said Morrison.