Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention Offers First-Ever Handle with Care Training for Baltimore County Schools

Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention Offers First-Ever Handle with Care Training
for Baltimore County SchoolsNew Approach Minimizes Impact of Traumatic Events on Students

What: Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention to Present Handle With Care Initiative Training 
for Baltimore County Schools during their Safe Schools Conference

Who: Kelly Gorman, Governor’s Office of Crime Control and Prevention 
         Baltimore County Schools

When: Wednesday, June 19, 2019 11:25 a.m., Maryland A Room
            Thursday, June 20, 2019 11:25 a.m., Maryland A Room

Where: Martin’s West, 6817 Dogwood Rd, Baltimore, MD 21244

Background:  

Baltimore County teachers, law enforcement, and mental health service providers will learn about the Handle With Care Maryland program and its benefits for students during the 24th Annual Baltimore County Safe Schools Conference. Handle With Care is a program designed to address adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) through coordinated, trauma-sensitive practices. Governor Larry Hogan, through the Governor's Office of Crime Control and Prevention, has prioritized developing initiatives and supporting programs designed to reduce the impact of ACEs, on Maryland's young people. Kelly Gorman, statewide Handle With Care Coordinator, will be training Baltimore County law enforcement, school teachers, and administrators, as well as mental health service providers on their specific roles within the program and how they can help children in Baltimore County. Handle With Care begins with first responders sending a notice to schools after encountering a child at the scene of a traumatic event. That notice then goes to trusted adults before the bell rings the next day so they can support the child should any signs of trauma or uncharacteristic behavior arise.

Handle With Care began in West Virginia in response to the opioid crisis. In February 2018, Governor Hogan announced that Maryland would adopt the program and implement the practice statewide. So far, 11 counties have adopted the program and six other jurisdictions (including Baltimore County) are set to pilot in the fall. More training will be provided during the inaugural Handle With Care Summit occurring on July 31 of this year.

###

About the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention
The Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention serves as a coordinating office that advises the governor on criminal justice strategies. The office plans, promotes, and funds efforts with government entities, private organizations, and the community to advance public policy, enhance public safety, reduce crime and juvenile delinquency, and serve victims