Law Enforcement
When a child is exposed to potentially traumatic event, a Law enforcement officer will submit an electronic “Handle With Care” notification via the Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC). The notification contains the child’s name, the school they attend, their grade if known, and the words “Handle With Care.” NO details of the event are ever provided.
This notice is sent via a confidential web portal to the school before the start of the next school day.
Educators
The school district administrator, school counselors and social workers receive the Handle with Care notice and share it with the child’s teacher and/or other staff on a “need to know basis only”.
The school staff, now aware of the exposure, can observe the child’s behavior and/or learning more closely.
Staff are ready to provide trauma sensitive support right away so the child can feel safe and ready to learn.
Mental Health Providers
As a final protective, preventative intervention, the school counselor or social worker will assess the child’s needs.
Research shows that trauma can undermine a child’s ability to learn, form relationships, and function appropriately in the classroom.
As a result, the school counselor or social worker will use this assessment to determine if the child would benefit from additional mental health services and make the referral if needed.
The Handle With Care Model
The Flowchart explains how the Handle With Care notification process works. While it may only take less than a minute for law enforcement to submit the notification, the impact on the child may last a lifetime.
Contact us
Have a question? We have all the answers.
Law Enforcement Testimonial
Sheriff David Millsap from Laclede County Sheriff’s Office
2022
Since
611+
Notifications Made to Missouri Schools
270
Notifications in 2024
160
Notifications made this school year