News Summary
Philadelphia has introduced the Handle With Care program, a collaborative initiative between the School District and the Police Department. Aimed at aiding students who have experienced trauma, the program will notify schools when police encounters occur, ensuring affected students receive the necessary support. With a pilot set in 15 schools, the initiative is funded by a $1 million grant and involves training for law enforcement and school staff to address trauma effectively. The program seeks to improve students’ educational experiences and well-being, addressing issues that contribute to dropouts and behavioral challenges.
Philadelphia has launched a new initiative named the Handle With Care program aimed at supporting students who have experienced trauma outside of school. This collaborative effort between the School District of Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Police Department is intended to provide critical assistance to these students to improve their educational experience and well-being.
The Handle With Care program is specifically designed to commence outside of the classroom environment. When police officers encounter students affected by trauma during their responses to incidents, they will notify the respective school to ensure that the student receives the necessary support throughout the school day. The program is currently set to be piloted in 15 schools within the 22nd Police District, which includes neighborhoods in North Philadelphia such as Strawberry Mansion, Yorktown, Brewerytown, and East Fairmount Park. Following the pilot, the initiative is scheduled to expand city-wide during the 2026-2027 school year.
This initiative is funded by a $1 million grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, which operates under the Office of Justice Programs. As part of the program’s introduction, nearly 300 law enforcement officers and 100 school staff have already undergone training focused on the impacts of trauma and violence on students. This training equips them to respond effectively to the needs of affected children.
To maintain privacy and confidentiality, police officers will utilize a secure QR code system to share students’ information with school personnel without revealing specific incident details. School officials are instructed not to discuss incident specifics with families, but can refer students to additional services if needed, following parental consent. School counselors will play a crucial role in leading the response efforts, which will involve regular check-ins and support for students based on their trauma needs.
The Handle With Care program aims to alleviate the burdens faced by children who often feel compelled to conceal their traumatic experiences and behave in a manner typically expected of adults. This initiative is designed to bridge the gap between exposure to trauma and educational success. By proactively addressing the needs of traumatized students, the program seeks to mitigate issues that could lead to dropouts and behavioral problems that stem from such experiences.
The pilot of the Handle With Care program will specifically tackle instances of previously unreported trauma-related incidents. This proactive approach ensures school personnel can better support students who may not have shared their challenges openly. An example provided by representatives from the School District illustrates the necessity of the initiative; it highlights a case where a child arrived at school following a traumatic event, such as the murder of a close family member.
Students involved in the program’s announcement have expressed optimism about its potential benefits for their peers who are grappling with trauma. They believe that the initiative could help change the narrative surrounding those who are often misconstrued as troublemakers in school settings.
As the Handle With Care program unfolds, it is expected to transform how schools and police departments interact and collaborate in responding to the trauma faced by students, ultimately creating a more supportive educational atmosphere for those in need.
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Additional Resources
- CBS News
- Wikipedia: Trauma-informed care
- Philadelphia Tribune
- Google Search: Handle with Care program Philadelphia
- Patch
- Encyclopedia Britannica: School psychology
- Philadelphia Inquirer
- Google News: trauma in schools Philadelphia
Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
