Lincoln County School District #2 has implemented a Handle With Care (HWC) Program which supports students who may be in crisis or experiencing the effects of a traumatic or significant event as they attend school.
In a collaborative effort with law enforcement, all district staff members can expect to receive confidential notification when a student has been involved in a traumatic event or has been witness to something potentially disturbing to them. Because emotional events may affect a student’s behavior and their ability to fully engage in academic and social activities during the days that follow their experience, staff members will be notified that students may need extra compassion, support and understanding.
“Law enforcement does not give any information about an incident, but simply lets the school know that ‘Handle With Care’ practices might be prudent,” said Barbara Merritt, who serves as a counselor with LCSD#2.
“The important part is that parents understand that if we issue a HWC, it doesn’t mean that WE in the schools have any personal information about the student or that we give any personal information about the child. It’s simply an alert to teachers to be aware that a student may be having a tough day. The purpose is not to share details of the event, but rather to provide educators with enough awareness to respond with increased understanding, flexibility, and care.”
Expansion of the HWC initiative includes communication among agencies, schools, and parents or caregivers. When a HWC is issued for a student, a school counselor will simply communicate “HWC” to the student’s teachers and other staff members who work with the student. “No additional information about the circumstances is provided,” said Merritt. The notification only serves as notice to educators that “the student may need additional patience, discretion, or support,” and the student’s privacy is maintained with respectful confidentiality.
A student who has a Handle With Care notification will not be automatically referred for counseling or mental health services. The HWC can, however, open a conversation between the student or family members and LCSD#2 mental health support staff about resources if additional support would be beneficial or necessary. “In this way, the HWC Program serves as a proactive, trauma-informed approach that connects students with the care and understanding they need while allowing them to continue to participate in the school environment as successfully as possible.”
When HWC is issued for a student, “teachers may respond by providing appropriate flexibility with assignments or assessments, ensuring the student has access to food and basic care, offering a safe or supportive space when needed, or simply approaching the student with additional understanding throughout the school day,” said Merritt. “The goal is to reduce barriers to learning and help the student feel safe and supported while maintaining their dignity and confidentiality.”
