Effingham County Launches Handle with Care Program

About the Program

Handle with Care (HWC) is a program designed to protect and support our youth, specifically those who’ve experienced trauma the night before having to go to school.  Through collaboration between the Effingham County School System, local law enforcement, and Effingham Family Connection, a program has been implemented for the 2022-2023 school year that will support these students.

Why it’s Important

Childhood exposure to violence and trauma, without the right support, is often associated with increased risk of poor outcomes and emotional, behavioral, and physical health over the lifespan. Children exposed to violence and trauma are also at a higher risk of poor school related outcomes and are more likely to enter the criminal justice system later in life, which can contribute to generational cycles of violence and system involvement. This project directly addresses the goal of mitigating these negative impacts of exposure to trauma when it does occur, by providing support and on-site, trauma-focused interventions by school staff and/or mental health providers, if necessary, to children identified by local law enforcement and school personnel.

How it Works

If a child has been exposed to a traumatic experience where police interactions or otherwise exposure has occurred, the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office, Guyton Police Department, Rincon Police Department, and Springfield Police Department have agreed to send notice to the appropriate school officials. While not divulging confidential information, this notification will simply state the child’s name, approximate age, school attended if known, the approximate time of the event, and the acronym HWC. Handle with Care will allow the school system to show up and support these students with extra compassion, care, and understanding, while getting them the support they need.