The Gahanna Division of Police, in partnership with the Mifflin Township Fire Department and Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools, has introduced Handle With Care - a statewide initiative designed to provide support for students who may experience emotional or behavioral challenges after stressful or traumatic events outside of school.
Handle With Care allows first responders to confidentially alert school officials when a student has experienced or been present at the scene of a traumatic incident, without sharing any specific details. This alert, sent before the next school day, simply advises educators to “handle the student with care.” The student's name and age are the only pieces of information shared, ensuring privacy while enabling school staff to respond with understanding and support.
“With everything our young people are navigating today, it is more important than ever to have a support system in place,” said Gahanna School Resource Officer Crystal Jones, who led the effort to bring Handle With Care to the City. “Launching Handle With Care just makes sense, and I am excited to see this program come to life in Gahanna. It is a powerful way to ensure that we are showing up for kids in a meaningful and supportive way.”
Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools has a team of staff members trained in trauma-informed practices, allowing them to recognize signs of distress and adjust their approach to meet each student’s needs appropriately. School Resource Officers, administrators, teachers, counselors, and support staff are all involved in this effort.
“Over the past several years, our officers have responded to many calls involving children who have experienced traumatic events. The Handle With Care program creates a pathway - while respecting privacy - to ensure those children receive the understanding and support they need at school from the strong network of individuals who can make a difficult time just a little easier,” said Gahanna Police Chief Jeff Spence.
Added Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tracey Deagle, “Supporting the whole child means creating a school culture where students feel safe, seen, and supported every day. Through our unique partnership with the Gahanna Division of Police and Mifflin Township Fire Department, Handle With Care strengthens the connection between schools and first responders, ensuring that when students face difficult circumstances, the trusted adults in their lives are ready to respond with compassion and care.”
All first responders with the Gahanna Division of Police and the Mifflin Township Fire Department have undergone training for Handle With Care, which has already been recognized as a model for collaboration between schools and first responders, with Gahanna being among the latest communities to adopt the initiative.
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"Ohio Handle With Care is directed by Hopewell Health Centers and supported by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, OhioHWC collaborates with communities across the state to implement HWC to fidelity. Please visit https://handlewithcareoh.org for more information.”