Handle with Care Program

About the Program

Category: Criminal Justice and Public Safety (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

The San Diego County District Attorney’s Office (SDCDA), in collaboration with the San Diego County Office of Education, local law enforcement and fire departments, has implemented the Handle with Care Program. The Handle with Care Program provides schools with a heads-up when a child has been at the scene of a traumatic event. First responders identify children who are present at the scene and determine where they attend school. Using the custom program application on their smart phone, a notice is sent to the child’s teacher that simply says, “Handle this Child with Care”. No other confidential details are given. The purpose of the program is to provide a notification to the school and the teacher that the student has experienced a traumatic event so they may understand why the child may be sleepy, aggressive, non-responsive or have incomplete homework. The objective is to enable the school to provide the child with extra support to assist them through the traumatic life experience and support their academic success.